Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 40

Joined to Idols

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

It will be incomplete to study the story of Joseph without considering Ephraim in more detail. Ephraim was the younger of the sons of Joseph, son of Jacob, and Asenath, daughter of Potiphera (priest of the sun god Re of Heliopolis). Ephraim is the ancestor of the Tribe of Ephraim. Before his death, Jacob adopted his grandchildren Ephraim and Manasseh to be equal with his own sons (Genesis 48:5).

When Jacob blessed Joseph’s two sons he placed his right hand on the head of the younger boy, Ephraim, and his left hand on the older boy, Manasseh. Joseph was displeased when his father laid his right hand on the younger grandson, rather than the older grandson. But Jacob said that although Manasseh would become the ancestor of a great nation, his younger brother would be the ancestor of an even greater nation. (Genesis 48:19). In the chronicles of the tribes, Ephraim therefore takes precedence over Manasseh in all matters, such as the order of marching, the consecration gifts for the Tabernacle, and the order of the allocation of land. When the Kingdom of Israel divided about 2900 years ago, the northern portion was often referred to by the name of Ephraim. In Revelation 7:1-8, Ephraim is strangely not listed as one of the tribes receiving the Seal of God for 12,000 of its members. The name Ephraim means “fruitful.” How does Ephraim end up so badly?

The morale is not to relax on promises and prophesies but remain constantly watchful …being careful concerning over confidence. Destinies can be marred if careless.

Your prayer must constantly be “Lord, let my end be good” …

Song.

We rest on Thee, our Shield and our Defender!

We go not forth alone against the foe;

Strong in Thy strength, safe in Thy keeping tender,

We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.

Strong in Thy strength, safe in Thy keeping tender,

We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.

Yes, in Thy Name, O Captain of salvation!

In Thy dear Name, all other names above;

Jesus our Righteousness, our sure Foundation,

Our Prince of glory and our King of love.

Jesus our Righteousness, our sure Foundation,

Our Prince of glory and our King of love.

We go in faith, our own great weakness feeling,

And needing more each day Thy grace to know:

Yet from our hearts a song of triumph pealing,

“We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.”

Yet from our hearts a song of triumph pealing,

“We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.”

Prayer: Lord help me to end well. 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

Ye Delivered Me Not

Jdg 12:1 And the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and went northward, and said unto Jephthah, Wherefore passedst thou over to fight against the children of Ammon, and didst not call us to go with thee? we will burn thine house upon thee with fire. 2 And Jephthah said unto them, I and my people were at great strife with the children of Ammon; and when I called you, ye delivered me not out of their hands. 3 And when I saw that ye delivered me not, I put my life in my hands, and passed over against the children of Ammon, and the LORD delivered them into my hand: wherefore then are ye come up unto me this day, to fight against me?

There are many occasions in which we have sought help from other brethren and were rebuffed. This can be very displeasing to God who positioned others at various stages to help us. Why is it that we are unable to help others and cannot find the time to respond to calls for comfort …to join hands in prayers to with those who need it.

The men of Ephraim refuse to respond to the call for help from Jepthah and Jepthah looks up to God. How help comes from God not men. Still, God has equipped and blessed us not for selfish consumption but that His covenant may be established. Any threat to the will and purpose of God require us to unite and fight as a holy army. There are singers, prayer warriors, treasurers, ushers etc…. everyone can play a part. It is possible that God has blessed you with substance to finance the meetings, to pay for venues and facilities and secure a tent that is adequate. You may not be the preacher or the pastor, but you can help by encouragement and just being there.

Ephraim is already on a downward spiral. Aloofness from God’s people and their burdens is a sure sign that we are becoming estranged from the family of God and in urgent need of restoration. God help us to see the burdens we should carry and give us grace to release whatever help we are tempted to withhold.

Song.

We will not fail if we fight as one

Each playing his own special part

None withholding help and support

Fighting as God’s holy army

We will not fail if we give our all

Not counting the cost

knowing our Lord God gave His life

Fighting as God’s holy army

Why are you unmoved by the pains of the saints

Focused on your own trials and nursing your pains

Be not deceived to think you can be at ease

Fighting as God’s holy army.

There are times we feel weary and lonely

Confused on the plans for the field

His Spirit revives us as we advance forward

Fighting as God’s holy army.

Prayer: Lord teach my hands to fight and to be ready to always do my part in God’s army. 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

Aloofness of Ephraim

Jdg 12:1 And the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and went northward, and said unto Jephthah, Wherefore passedst thou over to fight against the children of Ammon, and didst not call us to go with thee? we will burn thine house upon thee with fire. 2 And Jephthah said unto them, I and my people were at great strife with the children of Ammon; and when I called you, ye delivered me not out of their hands. 3 And when I saw that ye delivered me not, I put my life in my hands, and passed over against the children of Ammon, and the LORD delivered them into my hand: wherefore then are ye come up unto me this day, to fight against me?

Ephraim a blessed and specially chosen tribe slips gradually to an aloofness. They refused to help and support Jephthah who fights without them … only to see the Lord’s deliverance. Why is Ephraim so aloof? Why has Ephraim become so hard to get along with? Are you the kind of worker that others now find difficult to ask for help? What kind of body language do you communicate in the kingdom …are you seen as someone anxious to help or as disinterested in the spiritual battles facing the church.

Some have said, Ephraim although starting well …declined gradually from a blessed tribe to arrogance, laziness and such idolatry which caused God to change His mind. The lesson is that we must never presume on a previous position or past glories or blessings but must continually be striving to please God. What matters is not past prophetic pronouncements made over us but the current state of our devotion, love and service. If we are not walking in love and holiness today, then we cannot expect our historical encounters to make up. It is wise to ask God to search our hearts continually if there be any wickedness slowly growing. It is more prudent to be never overconfident but constantly going to God for help even when others will pronounce us as blessed. Also note that God fights for Jephthah even when Ephraim abandons them. God does not need any man …He is the Lord of Hosts.

For many – by the time they turned to God for help, it was too late. If you are reading this devotional …it is not late for you to go on your knees and repent of aloofness or any pride hidden under the cover of past glories.

Song.

We plough the fields and scatter

The good seed on the land,

But it is fed and watered

By God’s almighty hand:

He sends the snow in winter,

The warmth to swell the grain,

The breezes and the sunshine,

And soft, refreshing rain.

All good gifts around us

Are sent from Heaven above;

Then thank the Lord,

O thank the Lord,

For all his love.

Prayer: Lord search me heart and show me my errors … do not let any stains be hidden from me. Open my eyes to the folly of my ways. 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

Esau to Fade

Oba 1:18 And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for the LORD hath spoken it.

A study of the story of Esau and Jacob show that Esau initially grew and expanded and became so wealthy – such that Jacob feared him. Indeed, it was the entire house of Jacob that initially bowed before Esau. In spite of the prophesy that Esau will serve Jacob. Esau was so rich when they met, that he had no need to receive anything from Jacob.

Gen 33:1 And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids. 2 And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost. 3 And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

But many years will pass … Jacob expands to becoming a noble tribe and Joseph becomes a spreading fire. Edom that came out first is destroyed and ends up desolate … Joe 3:19 Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence against the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land.

Why does the stubble come up first? It is easier for stubble to come up first because it is not deeply rooted. A lot that is just stubble shines because of an initial glitter but is really nothing but nonsense that will soon be burnt off. Jacob must wait until he is corrected and trained and properly prepared before his children will be blessed to multiply in Egypt . Esau will glow first with many nations of Edom rising quickly only to become desolate. Do not be deceived by what you see initially. Those without deep roots will typically sprout out earlier than strong trees that will stand forever. That which is stubble is ultimately to be devoured. There will be no remnant of Edom … nothing will remain of the house of Esau. Reflect on this … pray that God will prepare you for glory and not quickly bring you up only for future destruction.

Song.

O God of Bethel, by Whose hand

Thy people still are fed,

Who through this weary pilgrimage

Hast all our fathers led.

Our vows, our prayers, we now present

Before Thy throne of grace;

God of our fathers, be the God

Of their succeeding race.

Through each perplexing path of life

Our wandering footsteps guide;

Give us each day our daily bread,

And raiment fit provide.

Prayer: Lord prepare me to be your sanctuary – pure and holy, tried and true. 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

Glowing or Destroyed

Oba 1:18 And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for the LORD hath spoken it.

When Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego were sent into the flames, they did not burn. A greater flame of the Holy Spirit completely covered them creating its own conditions that preserved them. They could be seen glowing in the flames. There are flames that burnt the bush that Moses saw that was not consumed. The fire of the Holy Ghost refines the saint and causes them to shine – removing all impurities. But this same flame when exposed to stubble it turns it to ashes.

In the text we read that there shall be nothing remaining of the house of Esau. We already saw in a previous devotion that Esau blossomed very quickly and prospered before Jacob started finding his feet. But gradually over time, Esau became desolate – its renown was burnt off ..and the ashes blown off. When the Holy Ghost came upon the first Church, remember Peter became bold and glowed in a new leadership role, but Ananias and Sapphira – who lied to the assembly to keep part of the proceeds of sales of their possessions committed to God – were carried out of the meeting …dead and to be buried. The flame of revival can be a dangerous fire for those rooted in the ways of Esau. Esau was profane and disdained the promises of God. May we be like Peter – a flame and not like this unfortunate couple who ended up as stubble. Open our eyes to see the path we are on – flame or stubble. Give us grace to make adjustments if need be. Help us to glow in your holy fire. Remove all tendencies to evil still hiding in us.

Song.

Let me shine in your holy fire – Reflecting your glory for all to see

Let me glow in your holy fire – a flame ministering deliverance and truth

Let me stand in your holy fire – like the Hebrew boys indestructible;

Let me hear you call in your holy fire – just as Moses did when he saw the burning bush.

Prayer: Lord of Hosts, let me be far from the path of becoming as stubble that will be destroyed. 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

Nehemiah’s Wall – A New Devotional

My prayer is that the year 2015 will be a year in which lives, nations and God’s Kingdom will be built and further expanded for good.  I am inspired by the words of Nehemiah who said in Nehemiah 2:17 ,  

“Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach”  but still accepted the challenge to lead a successful reconstruction.

The Book of Nehemiah is filled with lessons on faith and words of encouragement of wisdom which is presented in a new verse by verse devotional.  Nehemiah’s Wall is a fresh and practical devotional but more than that, it contains bible inspired thoughts for men and women in business, leadership, politics, family and the work place to ponder – given the often daunting challenges of rebuilding.

The Bible Devotional – Nehemiah’s Wall covering January 1 to December 31, 2015,  is not for sale and will be freely posted on my facebook, twitter and linkedin pages and available without charge by e-mail to subscribers of Rececessionproofchristianlife.com blog.

Like in my previous devotional “Songs of Joseph” ending on the 31st December,  this does not seek to provide all answers nor is as exhaustive in depth … and is therefore recommended for application alongside meditation on the word of God using other devotionals.  Prayer points are included at the end of each daily thought –  linked to each verse in the Book of Nehemiah.

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 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 top left column) above the green “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless u.

Divine Flame

Oba 1:18 And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for the LORD hath spoken it.

The imagery of a Fire in describing the refining role of God. Gold cannot be pure until fire has removed the impurities. Fire keeps off flies and demons. The proud and all that do wickedly sometimes need to be shown that the God we serve created the sun and all the stars …and they are as stubble only awaiting destruction.

The Church is like a fire … its ministers are flames that will not be put out. There are fire extinguishers –wrong relationships, strange marriages and compromising with worldliness. There are smoldering fires about to be go out ….tired and weakened by prayerlessness and sin … but Christ fans the shouldering flames back.

Isa 42:3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

Heb 1:7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.

God is a consuming fire. Esau is likened to stubble. The fire of God is a holy fire … the Holy Spirit is pictured as tongues of fire on the apostles at Pentecost. The fire is maintained by God and will not go out if we remain in Him. There are younger flames that must be protected and there are blazing flames moving fast into enemy territory. What kind of flame are you? Are you growing or is the fire smoking out? Go to God for a fresh touch and for fresh fire. Know that there are extinguishers to be kept at a safe distance. Every extinguisher of divine fire planted to kill the flame of God will be uprooted and burnt away – never to be planted again in your destiny. Keep glowing. Keep burning. Do not let your fire go out.

Song.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;

Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!

God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,

Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;

Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,

Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,

Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;

Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,

Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

Prayer: Lord of Hosts, may your Holy Fire burn freely through me. Let demons flee our lives because of the fire of God in us. 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

Grieve for Joseph

Amo 6:1 Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came! 2 Pass ye unto Calneh, and see; and from thence go ye to Hamath the great: then go down to Gath of the Philistines: be they better than these kingdoms? or their border greater than your border? 3 Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near; 4 That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall; 5 That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David; 6 That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph..

Zion is the place of safety in God. But it is not a place for ease. There are many saints especially in more comfortable circumstances … perhaps in more economically advantaged nations and cultures who begin to preach the gospel of ease. They write books that encourage to take it easy. These saints forget that there are saints in India, hostile Arab lands …saints being killed in prison camps in Korea …saints that are being targeted in Pakistan … and many next doors going through one affliction or the other. Many saints have backslidden or have falling prey to deception …but other saints do not care. They just engage in new selfish expressions of fun.

The gospel that preaches that affliction is synonymous with evil is false …as the Bible says many are the afflictions of the righteous …but God delivers from them all. Prosperity is part of the gospel but so is affliction. The afflicted must remember the comfortable and pray for them …but the comfortable must also intercede for grace and deliverance of the afflicted. In this devotional, the text explains that those who relax in ease and luxury and pleasant courts …and who do not feel part of the pains of the persecuted saints – are setting themselves for future destruction. These tend to pray less and less … slowly becoming more vulnerable until they are like fattened cattle being prepared for a future slaughter. Spare time, prayers, attention, funds and practical help for brothers and sisters who do not have the comforts we take for granted. A brother in affliction should cause another to be motivated to support in prayer, encouragement and just being there for them. Instead many find themselves judging other saints when they come under afflictions. Beware of Ease in Zion. Amos says Woe …meaning cursed are these. Come out of ease.

Song.

Lead us, Heavenly Father, lead us

O’er the world’s tempestuous sea;

Guard us, guide us, keep us, feed us,

For we have no help but Thee;

Yet possessing every blessing

If our God our Father be.

Savior, breathe forgiveness o’er us;

All our weakness Thou dost know;

Thou didst tread this earth before us,

Thou didst feel its keenest woe;

Lone and dreary, faint and weary,

Through the desert Thou didst go.

Prayer: Lord of Hosts, breathe your forgiveness over us for all our weaknesses, thou dost know. 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

Hate, Love and Establish

Amo 5:15 Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.

Three things we are told to do to get back on track. The first is to hate evil and all it stands for. It is not possible to hate something and it will not be evident in our lives. This does not mean we hate evil-doers but evil acts cannot be embraced or tolerated in our homes or where we have influence to disallow it. Many have been misled to think a neutral stance towards evil is good enough. It is not. Being neutral actually means we do not mind as long it does not disturb us. It is rooted in a selfishness.

Second is to love the good. We love the good not because we benefit from it but because it pleases God. It may be very difficult to carry a teenage pregnancy for a single young lady, but we love life and hate murder of the unborn. We prefer to suffer shame and many difficulties even risking our own lives than have the blood of an innocent child on our hands.

Third is to establish fairness. There is too much injustice in the society. The advantaged cheat the less advantaged and manipulate the laws of the land to their favor. Saints are to work to return fairness and truth to law courts.

When we are engaged in any of these, it may be that God will have mercy and extend fresh grace to us to be restored. May God help us.

Song.

I regret the hours I have wasted, the pleasures I have tasted that you were never in

And I confess that though your love is in me – it does not always win me when competing with my sin

And I repent making no excuses – I repent no one else to blame

And I return to fall in love with Jesus – I bow down on my knees.

And I return to fall in love with Jesus – I bow down on my knees and I repent.

Prayer: Father, I repent of my love for evil and hatred of your good and my apathy to injustice. Help me to come 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

God is Gracious

Amos 5:15 Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.

Even when God’s chosen drift. There is always the remnant that does hold on to God. The blessed house of Joseph is ravaged but there is still a remnant that survives the flood of evil. You are part of that remnant and you are uniquely called to hate the evil, love the good and establish truth and judgment .

There are many who ignore evil and leave others to establish judgment. To hate evil in a society that legalizes it cannot be easy. To establish God’s judgment when God says my ways are not your ways – cannot be the popular thing. Most suffer for hating evil and are despised when they seek to establish God’s standards in a fallen world. But they will be a remnant who find the grace.

The grace of God is coming to you – to give you another chance to start afresh and rise to where God wants you to be. You are a specially called remnant that will rediscover the forgiveness and mercy that comes with the graciousness of God … the sad fate that befell others will not come to you. But you must continue to hate the evil no one wants to confront and love God’s laws in a world that prefers to exclude God altogether.

God will send His unstoppable armies to bring refreshment and restoration to His remnant. His remnant will rise again to rejoice and to praise Him …worshipping Him in Spirit and in Truth. The remnant are a remaining part when the rest have all gone astray. God is gracious to His remnant.

Song.

O Love that wilt not let me go,

I rest my weary soul in thee;

I give thee back the life I owe,

That in thine ocean depths its flow – May richer, fuller be.

O light that followest all my way,

I yield my flickering torch to thee;

My heart restores its borrowed ray,

That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day – May brighter, fairer be.

O Joy that seekest me through pain,

I cannot close my heart to thee;

I trace the rainbow through the rain,

And feel the promise is not vain, That morn shall tearless be.

O Cross that liftest up my head,

I dare not ask to fly from thee;

I lay in dust life’s glory dead,

And from the ground there blossoms red – Life that shall endless be

Prayer: Lord of Hosts, may I see your graciousness manifest afresh for 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