Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 42

Jeroboam – Opportunity abused Part III

1Kings 11:28 And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph.

In Parts I & II we saw the beginnings of Jeroboam the leader of the tribe of Joseph. Now that he had part of the split kingdom, he quickly devised a plan to consolidate his throne. Many clever maneuvers of men are driven by seeking power and maintaining the authority they want over men.

1Ki 12:26 And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: 27 If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. 28 Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 29 And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan. 30 And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan. 31 And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi.

This man was afraid to lose power and so he set up false altars at convenient places so people would not go to Jerusalem and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi. Many still do this … so many Churches have risen up …the main strategy of their evangelism is to stop followers from finding the truth …so they expand rapidly ..spreading junk. Offering show biz, glamour, ease and motivational self-improvement seminars which preserve the flesh and embrace worldliness …these are done with such zeal …but this is nothing but wickedness and abuse of power.

Jeroboam ends up being the standard in evil Kings, as David was the standard in righteousness. He ended up badly as well as his entire household. It became apparent that he was a choice of God to judge not just Solomon but the wicked people he also ruled. May God have mercy on us. May God help us to see our wrong and expose the wickedness in our hearts. Do not be deceived. God is never mocked. The fruits of the wickedness of men will always be harvested. It did not matter that this was the tribe of Ephraim … This tribe that was so specially chosen and elevated …it seems perfected the abuse of God’s grace and special love. The fact that God blessed us specially is not enough. May we not be chosen for judgment but chosen only for mercy and glory. If we hearken to God’s commandment and love His statutes, our end will be good. How it must pain God that the house of Ephraim descends this low. Be watchful. What are your motives for ministry? It may take decades …but we surely reap the fruits of wickedness if all we have sown are evil seeds.

Song.

Breathe on me, breath of God, Fill me with life anew,

That I may love what Thou dost love, And do what Thou wouldst do.

Breathe on me, breath of God, Until my heart is pure,

Until with Thee I will one will, To do and to endure.

Breathe on me, breath of God, Blend all my soul with Thine,

Until this earthly part of me – Glows with Thy fire divine.

Breathe on me, breath of God, So shall I never die,

But live with Thee the perfect life – Of Thine eternity.

Prayer : Father, let my priority be ever to honor and worship 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

Jeroboam – Opportunity abused Part II

1Ki 11:28 And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph.

In Part I we saw the beginnings of Jeroboam the leader of the tribe of Joseph. Hardworking and industrious he was but the prophet who prophesied he would be King also encouraged him to hearken to all the commandments of God as did … keeping his statutes and commandments.

1Ki 11:38 And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.

David was not perfect. But he loved the Lord and kept his statutes and commandments. The corollary to this encouragement was that if Jeroboam did as Solomon did …he would also end badly. Jeroboam soon flees to Egypt to avoid being killed by Solomon. But Jeroboam was a very bad ruler who refuses to heed the warning…he is now obsessed with the power that has been promised to him and diligently begins to plot his eventual ascension.

Not once do we see any interest to worship God or to serve Him. Jeroboam does not seek the face of the Lord. He waits until after Solomon’s death, the people of Israel rebelled against the house of David and invited him to be king. The tribe of Ephraim has produced a king in a split kingdom. Jeroboam takes advantage of this evil division ordained by God to retain power at all costs. Jeroboam built Shechem into a beautiful capital and dwelt therein. He now proceeds with his evil plans.

I pray none reading this devotional will end up like this wicked Ephraimite. I pray when opportunities come to you, you will remember God. I pray you will seek His face and meditate over his commandments – day and night and seek to please him. I pray you will not be deceived by early successes and a track record of diligence. Be a man after God’s heart. May you be like David who thirsted for God. Men who thirst for power instead of God are easily corrupted.

Song.

As the deer, panteth for the waters so my soul longeth after thee

You alone are my heart desire and I long to worship thee

You alone are my strength and shield

To you alone may my spirit yield

You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship you.

You’re my friend and you are my brother even though you are a King

I love you more than any other – so much more than anything

You alone are my strength and shield

To you alone may my spirit yield

You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship you.

Prayer : Father, let my priority not be power but to worship 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

Jeroboam – Opportunity abused Part 1

1Ki 11:28 And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph.

The tribe of Ephraim produces a future King. The Bible introduces Jeroboam as a mighty man of valor A man that was industrious who was initially given charge of the house of Joseph in the time of Solomon. He is introduced as the enemy of the King. God had ordained that Solomon’s legacy would be split because he did not keep the commandments and statutes of God. God said He will give part of this kingdom to his servant. That man was Jeroboam.

Jeroboam started well. He was hardworking, and from the prestigious tribe of Ephraim, next in honor to the tribe of Judah. He must have been spotted to be reliable, brave and with integrity. Diligence promoted Jeroboam but diligence is not enough. Character must make him end well. Jeroboam had a weak point – he loved power more than God. This was not initially evident …it is often wiser to promote someone who is godly … a man after God’s heart. Men or women who love power can appear hardworking – they look like they can be trusted with major assignments. Indeed they can start very well, but soon love of power above God will cause them to do strange things and enter into all sorts of evil alliances for power.

A good track record is not enough – we must keep searching our hearts to expose hidden cracks that we may find corrections before the enemy finds us useful to work as his instruments against God’s will. An early promotion to a very senior position can be a sign of greater potential …but a man that has not been prepared enough as Joseph was in the dungeon of Egypt is soon spoilt by power.

Jeroboam was told by the Prophet Ahijah that he would have the throne someday …but he was told the reason for the opportunity … only because Solomon had failed. Good sense would have taught Jeroboam to ponder over Solomon’s failure and avoid a similar fate…but an ambitious man does not think this way … all he saw was an opportunity for a throne he did not deserve.

Ponder over this text. Has an opportunity suddenly opened before you ? Ask God to give you grace not to abuse it. Ask God to search your heart.

Song.

Can you be obedient

To the Lord of all,

Though the earth should totter,

Though the heav’ns should fall?

Face e’en a disaster

With a faith-filled heart,

Knowing naught can harm him

Who with Christ will start?

Prayer : Father, search my heart and prove me …expose the cracks that could destroy me in future. Heal these cracks. 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

Unbelief

Jdg 1:27 Neither did Manasseh drive out the inhabitants of Bethshean and her towns, nor Taanach and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns: but the Canaanites would dwell in that land. 28 And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out. 29 Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwelt in Gezer among them. 30 Neither did Zebulun drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, nor the inhabitants of Nahalol; but the Canaanites dwelt among them, and became tributaries. 31 Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob: 32 But the Asherites dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: for they did not drive them out. 33 Neither did Naphtali drive out the inhabitants of Bethshemesh, nor the inhabitants of Bethanath; but he dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: nevertheless the inhabitants of Bethshemesh and of Bethanath became tributaries unto them. 34 And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain: for they would not suffer them to come down to the valley: 35 But the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became tributaries

A new normal way gradually evolves. Laziness and cowardice gives birth to compromise. Covetousness and greed help the new culture of disobedience. Nothing is new. The enemy of our soul uses the same tactics. The Canaanites have chariots of iron and are difficult to drive out. The land is a good land, rich, fertile and flowing with milk and honey and idolatry – but the Canaanites are not easy to drive out. So what do the children of Israel do?

Many believers start well, with a lot of promise and zeal, but are soon hindered as Satan floods them with temptations, lusts, brings guilt and anguish to pollute their consciences until they give up to some sort of accommodation of Satan. God does not want us to have any accommodation with the enemy in any form, therefore we are wise to keep fighting until as promised every failure is brought under our feet. Saul fell because of this weakness of accommodation of that which God instructed to be destroyed and this ruined him ultimately.

Hold on to the promises of God and keep fighting evil – internally, externally …in your home, nation, church …everywhere it shows up…do not permit evil to serve you …making evil your tributaries is a dangerous strategy. The house of Joseph applied this strategy of using the Canaanites as servants when they prevailed upon the Amorites, but this was not the instruction of God. It is unbelief that disallowed the children of Israel from entering the promised land …it is unbelief that stops them from conquering the Canaanites. They have forgotten that they entered the promised land not because they were strong but because God fought for them….the walls of Jericho did not fall because the children of Israel were strong but because their God was. Unbelief is the chief of failings and the arrows of doubt are Satan’s chief weapons.

Song.

Have faith in God

Have faith in God

Have faith in God

For deliverance have faith in God.

Prayer : Father, Help my unbelief. 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

Final Rest Part II

Jos 24:32 And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.

The faith that see God’s final rest is not cheap. The rest of God is not randomly offered to any. A study of the word will help us to understand – as well as the shadow of Heaven provided for us in the journeys of Joseph. Eternity is for fighters – for he that overcometh. Overcoming sin, the enemy, the world, the flesh are not accidental achievements. Those who have done it will know by their battles and the victory in Christ. We also know those that will not be there.

Rev 21: 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Liars, whoremongers, the abominable and the unbelieving will not be there. Those who doubt the existence will soon lose the motivation to overcome and will justify their defeats. Those who cease from the fight of faith do so because they do not see the rest ahead. Those who look for rest here and value the earthy rest will do everything to obtain it and will soon forget about the reality of God’s eternal best. Be extremely cautious of forgetting eternity … are you making preparations to be there. If you are not – it may mean you will not be there. Ponder over these words. Joseph made it (not because he suffered a lot or that he was the favorite of Jacob, but because he made careful preparations towards the place of his final rest. Are you preparing yourself?

Song.

Some glad morning when this life is o’er, I’ll fly away;

To a home on God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).

I’ll fly away, Oh Glory – I’ll fly away; (in the morning)

When I die, Hallelujah, by and by, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).

When the shadows of this life have gone, I’ll fly away;

Like a bird from prison bars has flown, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away)

I’ll fly away, Oh Glory – I’ll fly away; (in the morning)

When I die, Hallelujah, by and by, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).

Just a few more weary days and then, I’ll fly away;

To a land where joy shall never end, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away)

Prayer : Father, show me how to prepare for the place of your final rest reserved for all your children. 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

Final Rest Part I

Jos 24:32 And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.

The bones of Joseph were to see no rest until the children of Israel arrived and rested at the land of promise. There is a difference between death and rest, between sleeping and rest, between peace and rest. Rest does not just mean quietness… because there is a quietness that can be disguised trouble. Rest refers to a final state of quiet bliss.

Rev 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

The key thing in God’s rest is not that is no pain, but there is no more pain …meaning pain is banished forever. Sorrow is banished forever …tears are banished forever and all former things will never again be brought up again. All the saints wait for this rest and until we all come up on the appointed day, this rest will still be a place that we see ahead and wait for. The bones of Joseph waited hundreds of years to enter this rest – which is a shadow of the divine rest that we are all awaiting.

Note that Joseph knew about the rest, he made preparations towards it – gave instructions that puzzled others concerning it. He spoke of that rest as though he were absolutely certain it would happen. Joseph believed that he would find that rest centuries later in a land he did not see …likewise we can believe in the eternal rest it foreshadows.

Christ spoke of the eternal rest – when he said …John 14:2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Christ also paid the full price for the rest. Christ is God and we can believe him. Today, many saints are no more sure about Heaven. If they are not sure, how can they make any arrangements to be there? The old saints spoke of Heaven as if it were a place they were so certain they would one day go. Today’s culture makes jest of Heaven …even many saints are uncertain and some preachers doubt. The devil knows that doubters will not make arrangements. If Joseph doubted Jacob, many years after – he would have not have given instructions to be carried out. His doubts would have told him, this was pointless. Be sure there is an eternity worth making plans for.

Song.

It’s a highway to Heaven. None can walk up there – But the pure in heart.

It’s a highway to Heaven. I am walking up the King’s Highway.

Prayer : Father, put my feet on the journey to Heaven – the King’s Highway. 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

Wake me up

Jos 17:14 And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto? 15 And Joshua answered them, If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee. 16 And the children of Joseph said, The hill is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both they who are of Bethshean and her towns, and they who are of the valley of Jezreel. And Joshua spake unto the house of Joseph, even to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, Thou art a great people, and hast great power: thou shalt not have one lot only: 18 But the mountain shall be thine; for it is a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong.

How is it that the blessed are so easy to fall prey to pride? The heart is so deceitful. There are times when we seek more souls and labor well for God, but there are times when pride is at work. The children of Joseph challenge their tribesman Joshua on the size of their lot. Joshua is wise and a man of integrity. He has not favored his tribe beyond what God has asked him to do. But the children of Joseph are displeased. Murmuring to leadership is pointless …often we are telling God – He does not know what He is doing. In previous verses, we note that the children of Joseph could not drive away the Canaanites in the land given to them – this was to be their immediate focus …rather they focus on acquiring more lands. Is it not common when we have not been faithful in a little, we still want to have more. Observe the reply of Joshua. You must fight for more. Joshua tells them they must work for the rest …they must cut down the wood and drive out the Canaanites even though they are strong with iron chariots.

God is telling someone. God has given you a small place to make you a fighter. You must rise up and cut down the wood and drive out the Canaanites. You need skills and experience to overcome resistance of all sorts …you need to learn patience … you need to know how to win and how to lose … you need to grow into your greatness.

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. 7 Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive, and the banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed.

It is often not the will of God to make greatness too easy …hence we slide into entertainment and vanity. God help us when we cannot be put at any inconvenience. We can be over pampered. So many have lost the will and urge for spiritual warfare. They do not even know what spiritual warfare is. They are being set up to fail. This will not be our portion. Come out of that dangerous state of ease. Be strong and very courageous to battle on your knees again.

Song.

I praise I praise you – Oh Lord 2ce In my life Lord, I see what you are doing. One more time … I lift my hands in praise of your name. 2ce

Prayer : Father, wake me up. 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

Spreading Cancers

Jos 17:12 Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land. 13 Yet it came to pass, when the children of Israel were waxen strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute; but did not utterly drive them out.

Disobedience tends to be like cancer. Once it starts, it soon begins to spread and can become a new norm. We read that the Ephraimites could not drive out the Canaanites. We soon read in the following chapters that the children of Manasseh were also in a similar situation. They put the Canaanites to tribute – but that was not what the Lord instructed. Disobedience acts like a spreading cancer once unchecked.

Be careful of the familiar things that you observe and accept. Because a certain approach is popular and seems to work does not mean it pleases the Lord. Joshua we are not told corrected the tribe of Ephraim and the way of accommodating the inhabitants of Canaan soon became the norm. It is easier to do nothing. It is easier not to fight or confront that which is wrong. It is easier to simply embrace errors and popular methods. But when we go against the norm, we will soon hear … “but the blessed tribe of Ephraim, the leader’s tribe are doing it differently …” why do you want to do yours differently.

Leaders should be extra careful because they will be copied …what the leadership accepts will preach far more than what they teach. Like cancer, the error of compromise to accommodate the Canaanites soon began to spread. Watch out for things others – especially those in leadership do, that do not model Christ. Christ is our model and not any leader. Leaders, like any other men can be weak, tired and too intimidated to face certain issues. You must be ready to stand alone for what you believe in – contend for the faith. Still obey all the same …still fight even if you are alone and unaided …if the truth of God is your ally then God will fight with you. Like David fought Goliath alone when all the more capable and stronger warriors were in hiding …you will not run from battle …you will fight and you will win. Manasseh gave up quickly and accommodated what they were meant to drive out. What are you tolerating in your life that God wants you to deal with firmly. Do not delay another minute …drive out the Canaanite.

Song.

Jehovah is your name 4ce

Mighty warrior; Great in battle

Jehovah is your name.

Mighty warrior; Great in battle

Jehovah is your name.

The name, the name of Jesus. Is greater and higher than all names

It is not an ordinary name. It’s a name that’s full of power and praise.

At that name all sicknesses bow. Demons tremble at the sound of that name

It is not an ordinary name. It’s a name that’s full of power and praise..

Prayer : Father, I reject every Canaanite making itself useful to my flesh – I drive them all out … I walk out of every evil relationship. 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

Marred by Blessings

Jos 16:5 And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron the upper; 6 And the border went out toward the sea to Michmethah on the north side; and the border went about eastward unto Taanathshiloh, and passed by it on the east to Janohah; 7 And it went down from Janohah to Ataroth, and to Naarath, and came to Jericho, and went out at Jordan. 8 The border went out from Tappuah westward unto the river Kanah; and the goings out thereof were at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim by their families.9 And the separate cities for the children of Ephraim were among the inheritance of the children of Manasseh, all the cities with their villages. 10 And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute.

The Ephraimites are now ahead in numbers to the elder tribe Manasseh. Joshua the leader is also of this tribe … it has become a tribe of much influence. But the Bible tells us they did not drive out the Canaanites as God had commanded them to do. Sadly this begins a trend. This may have been out of carelessness, cowardice, overconfidence or because of lack of faith in the god who promises victory…. Moses had warned them and advised them on what would happen if they did not drive out the Canaanites … but they did not give heed to Moses. The zeal to honor God was slowly fading. Ephraim was slowly being marred by overconfidence in their blessings and known destiny of greatness over the elder twin tribe.

Num 33:52 Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places: 53 And ye shall dispossess the inhabitants of the land, and dwell therein: for I have given you the land to possess it. 54 And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families: and to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance: every man’s inheritance shall be in the place where his lot falleth; according to the tribes of your fathers ye shall inherit. 55 But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell. 56 Moreover it shall come to pass, that I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them.

The Ephraimites who should know better now set a very poor example. Perhaps out of greed or laziness. Soon they are defiled by idolatry …eventually to fall. It may also be that they tended to relax because of their favored and obviously blessed condition. But God is not partial. He does not make different rules for His favored nor does He countenance disobedience from any. We are often deceived into thinking the blessed of God are free from His laws and obedience to them. The opposite is usually the case. God expects even more from his favored. The tendency to compromise with the word of God tends to be a common temptation for the increased and enlarged. They will deceive themselves to think …surely God’s mercy will permit this minor indiscretion. But hear the word of God.

Jos 24:20 If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.

The goodness of God is no license to experiment with strange company. This is what Ephraim began to do. It started with not confronting the Canaanites – to destroy all their molten images and high places. These were accommodated. Blessed child of God. What are you accommodating that is against the will of God … that you are confusing for grace. Get rid of the offensive relationship and ways. There is time to return.

Song.

Holy is the Lord of Host – Holy is the Lord. Merciful and full of compassion – Holy is the Lord (chorus)

Prayer : Father, Help and teach me to fear and obey you and do your will completely. 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

Double for your Shame

Jos 14:4 For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance.



The children of Joseph we read were two tribes causing them to exceed others in many respects. But we can also remember that Joseph had enough troubles for which God recompensed him. The Bible says He gives double for our troubles. God is not unmindful of the challenges we bear for His purpose. It is worth pausing to reflect on the kindness of God. He observes all the burdens and weights we may carry. He knows of all the problems and the shame of being thrown into pit and ending up in the prisons of Egypt.

Job 5:19 He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.

Isa 61:7 For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them

You are not the victim or the victimized if God is at work in your life. Instead you are being set up for double possessions. You have a reward here on earth and also in eternity. In Christ, you are free from the guilt of sin and also from its power. Like Elisha who received double of the anointing on Elijah, Christ told us the least in the kingdom is greater than John the Baptist who led the prophets. Our walk with God in Christ is a superior walk than that of the early prophets.

The shame of Christ at Calvary was our shame – Christ being our elder brother, the first fruits of them that sleep … and we are blessed as saints. We must get rid of the victim mentality …forgetting the shame, and instead put on the glory mentality of those who have inherited a double portion of the good things of God. Joseph was not a victim, although it looked very much like it at the time …God who dwells in eternity always saw him as a man – targeted for a double inheritance. His brothers saw him as a loser. Potiphar’s wife saw him as an uncooperative tool. The fellow prisoners saw him as a convenient helper – a victim who knew nobody. But God always saw Joseph as blessed. Do not be labeled by the shame or by how men elect to see you. Hold on to God. Soon you will celebrate … a double rejoicing that will extend into eternity is yours. Double means to rejoice here and now as well as in the world to come. Christ is risen. Get rid of a victim mentality.

Song.

Conquerors and overcomers now are we

Through the blood of Jesus we have victory

If the Lord be for us we can never fail

Nothing ‘gainst His mighty power can e’er prevail.

Conquerors are we, thr’o the blood of Jesus

God will give us victory, thro’ the blood of Jesus

Through the Lamb for sinners slain,

Yet who lives and reigns again,

More than conquerors are we,

More than conquerors are we

Prayer : Father, Lord teach me to praise my way out of the shame into double joy. I declare I am a victor and not a victim. 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