Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 46

Day of Visitation

Gen 50:25 And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.

There is no doubt in the mind of Joseph that God will do what Jacob had said He would. Joseph was absolutely convinced on the word of God. Such faith is commendable. Are you certain God will accomplish what he has said He would in your life. Have no doubt – God is surely faithful. But men have to be bound in an oath … Joseph takes an oath of the children of Israel to carry his bones out of Egypt to Canaan when the visitation happens. This oath is passed from generation to generation until it is fulfilled in the generation of Moses. There is a day of visitation. This is not like any other day and it will surely come. But when is this day going to be? This day was a terrible day for Egypt …a day when Egypt was judged and its armies drowned … but it was also a day of great joy and victory for Israel. Abraham also had a vision concerning this day …predicting how long it would take – 400 years of affliction must pass …and the iniquity of the Amorites must be full.

Gen 15:12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him. 13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; 14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. 15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. 16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

1Pe 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation

When is the future day of visitation? It is a day when God will be glorified. It is a day when evildoers will realize they made a grave error …It is a day when the cup of evil will have been full, but also a day when good works will be seen and honest conversation wins. As you reflect on this passage … consider which group you belong to . The evil doing “Amorites”, speaking against children of God or honest sons and daughters whose good works seem not to be appreciated. Will you be like Egypt who got a terrible surprise or like the children of Israel who received by grace a great deliverance. We are in a time when many say there is no Heaven, no hell …no judgment while the Bible has pictures from the book of Genesis that warn that there is a day of visitation …a day that will be very ugly for wicked souls … and a day of joy unspeakable. Make the choice as to what that day will mean for you and adjust your life by repentance and ethical corrections. I pray the day of visitation will be a good day for you. What is your decision? On the day of visitation, it was terrible for Egypt.

Song.

I have decided to follow Jesus – I have decided to follow Jesus – I have decided to follow Jesus

No turning back – no turning back.

If no one joins me still I will follow – If no one joins me still I will follow – if no one joins me still I will follow

No turning back – no turning back

The cross before me, the world behind me – The cross before, the world behind me–The cross before me , the world behind me

No turning back – no turning back

Prayer : Lord, help my firm decision never to turn back from being yours and yours alone. 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

I will Bring you Out

Gen 50:24 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

The royal ambassador is about to be recalled. Joseph knows his sojourn in Egypt is about to be over. He now speaks to his brethren telling them the most important things they must know. Indeed Egypt is beautiful, all seems to be going well and there is no reason to leave and God has blessed them in Goshen …but Goshen is not home. God will visit them and bring them out. God knows that the future and orders our steps …Israel must never be so taken in by Egypt’s hospitality to forget to worship and honor the true God.

Many times God says things that may seem unnecessary or irrelevant. There was no motivation to leave Egypt and the desert tribesmen had tasted what it was like to live in marble villas … but God had something better. There are times we do not appreciate that God has something better for us. But He does and he promises to bring us into it. God sees your situations and knows that although you have been blessed …there is still a greater promise beyond your imaginations that He wants to bring us into.

1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

God has prepared a place beyond our sensual appreciation if we will love him and not cling to Egypt. The most important message of Joseph was to remind his brothers that there is a place God is bringing them to. Today, many hear little about Heaven. Many do not consider what it means to love God … they have been hypnotized by the grandeur of Egypt and all its treasures and offerings.

Reflect on your Heavenly home. Consider that God has blessed you – but He must still bring you out to a far better place – your promised home.

Song.

O what a wonderful, wonderful day – day I will never forget;

After I’d wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Savior I met.

O what a tender, compassionate friend – He met the need of my heart;

Shadows dispelling, With joy I am telling, He made all the darkness depart.

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, When at the cross the Savior made me whole;

My sins were washed away – And my night was turned to day -Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!

Born of the Spirit with life from above into God’s fam’ly divine,

Justified fully thru Calvary’s love, O what a standing is mine!

And the transaction so quickly was made when as a sinner I came,

Took of the offer of grace He did proffer – He saved me, O praise His dear name!

Now I’ve a hope that will surely endure after the passing of time;

I have a future in Heaven for sure, there in those mansions sublime.

And it’s because of that wonderful day when at the cross I believed;

Riches eternal and blessings supernal from His precious hand I received.

Prayer : Lord, bring me to the promised home in Heaven. 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

Fruitful and United

Gen 50:23 And Joseph saw Ephraim’s children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph’s knees.

Joseph saw Ephraim’s and Manasseh’s grand-children. Already his clan was unusually fruitful as was prophesied. Within eighty years – three generations were born from the loins of Joseph. The blessings of waiting on God to manifest in an unusual fruitfulness. It is a great blessing to be able to impact the lives of future generations … it is a great joy when you see your seed bringing forth much fruit and the young ones are brought upon your knees. I pray that your home will be united even as three generations will gather together in communion and fellowship. There are many homes that scatter in different directions in only one generation. Some have left home to settle in strange lands … some are never to be seen again. I pray by the special grace of God that your sons and daughters scattered in faraway locations will reunite in joyful communion. I pray that you will place your great grandchildren on your knees and bless them as your father blessed you. I pray that situations that scatter homes and alienate parents from their children will not arise in your family.

Isa 43:6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;.

It is one thing to be fruitful – It is another to be united and of the same mind as your children and grandchildren in knowing and loving God. These are special graces. Joseph not only lived long, he was fruitful and his children were fruitful … and they were brought to his knees. God will cause your final years to be full of such joys.

Song.

The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want.

He makes me down to lie

In pastures green; He leadeth me

The quiet waters by.

My soul He doth restore again;

And me to walk doth make

Within the paths of righteousness,

Even for His own Name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale,

Yet will I fear no ill;

For Thou art with me; and Thy rod

And staff my comfort still.

My table Thou hast furnishèd

In presence of my foes;

My head Thou dost with oil anoint,

And my cup overflows.

Prayer : Lord, thank you for fruitfulness and unity. May future generations yet unborn know you as Lord. 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 Best Saved for the Last

Gen 50:22 And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father’s house: and Joseph lived an hundred and ten years.

Joseph was loved and cherished by Jacob for seventeen years after which he was taken to Egypt. Joseph suffered bitter trials for thirteen years until he was 30 when he was put in charge of Egypt’s grain preservation. After seven year of plenty and famine began, Joseph is joined to his family. For eighty years Joseph dwelt in Egypt in peace as a ruling officer of Egypt. The best wine is always brought out later.

Remember the wedding at Cana …

Joh 2:9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, 10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

Every man will do their best and be exhausted … the devil offers vanity and then it becomes clear there is only grief at the end (ask most Hollywood icons) …Esau thrives and is rich, while Jacob is still running for fear . All these tell us that God saves the best for the latter years. His Heaven is the future … but now we must suffer many things, bear many things and grow in obedience … becoming progressively better. The best of God is eternal … a second will cause us to forget all our trials …Joseph forgot the thirteen years of disgrace, shame and imprisonment. I do not know your story …but God will wipe all your tears away. It will soon be clear to you – that He saves His best for the latter years. Just keep holding on.

Song.

Hold on, Hold on

The best wine comes at the end.

Hold on, Hold on

You will soon rejoice again.

Hold on, Hold on

He wipes away your tears.

Hold on, Hold on

Wait for the latter years.

Hold on, Hold on

The best is yet to come

Hold on, Hold on

to God and God alone.

Hold on, Hold on

Though the trials endures

Hold on, Hold on

Heaven has all cures

Prayer : Lord, help me keep holding on to you – no matter what. 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

Child of Destiny

Gen 50:21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

Joseph pledges to nourish his brothers and their family in the famine. This was his destiny. There is a beautiful destiny and purpose to your life. Soon you will see it. All your upbringing, trials, victories and defeats will suddenly clarify a master plan that God arranged. Your destiny will banish fears of loss because it will position you to preserve his covenant people. You are a child of destiny – only you do not see it … look again. Joseph now knew what his life was designed for and why he suffered all that he had gone through.

Do you know your destiny? Reflect on the following questions? Where is your present location? What are the crisis points of your life and what did these crisis points achieve? What were the most painful experiences you had ever had? What are you always drawn to? Where have you been celebrated? What are your gifts? What upsets you the most? Is there something you know …some insight that your past experiences and current revelation of God’s word – that will be a great help for others? Is there a good, you feel in your heart, God is calling you into? As you find answers and reflect on these, God will help you to see your unique destiny. There is a kingdom agenda waiting for your “fear not” … waiting to be nourished by you.

Joseph spoke kindly. When the bitterness is past, and your words are kind and worries have all abated … no one challenges you anymore …then you will know that you have found your own wealthy place.



Song.

Though the world may promise me more,

I’m just made to be filled with the Lord.

Nor it’s life worth living a day,

For the things that will soon pass away.

Doesn’t matter how rich or successful I’d be,

Or how many pleasures be offered to me.

There’s nothing that compares to my destiny—

To be thoroughly filled with the Lord.

Now although I’m still kind of small,

And the future is in front of me.

In my heart I’ve heard the Lord’s call,

Just to follow Him absolutely.

Though the path may be holding

Much joy or much pain,

What matters is that more of Him I would gain,

Regardless what happens,

I never would change.

‘Cause I’m made to be filled with the Lord.

Yes, I’m made to be filled with the Lord.

Prayer : Lord, help me to fulfill my purpose … the reason for my existence. 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 good

Gen 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

God is good. Even when men think evil and think they prosper in it …God is still good and works through it. This can be hard to understand. How can such a negative development have any good to it? Why does evil seem to thrive and yet Joseph says God meant it unto good. The child of God is safe from evil – what men mean for evil, if God chooses to permit it – is turned to good. Joseph was an instrument to save much people alive. God needed the brothers and their arrows to push Joseph into his destiny.

It would have never occurred to Joseph that his destiny was in Egypt. God had told Abraham and Isaac not to go down to Egypt – a symbol of evil. But to save many alive, Joseph needed to be brought into Egypt. The way to achieve this was for his brothers to sell him into slavery after hating and despising him for years. Jacob loved Joseph specially and spent more time teaching him and preparing him on the ways of God as others went to look after the flock. Joseph did not know what he was being specially loved for. He did not know he would be isolated in the pits of an Egyptian prison for years. But it was Joseph and not anyone else who says it was all good. God is good …whatever you are going through.

Song.

God is good all the time

He put a song of praise in this heart of mine

God is good all the time

Through the darkest night, His light will shine

God is good, God is good all the time

If you’re walking through the valley

And there are shadows all around

Do not fear, He will guide you

He will keep you safe and sound

‘Cause He’s promised to never leave you

Nor forsake you and His Word is true

We were sinners – so unworthy

Still for us He chose to die

Filled us with His Holy Spirit

Now we can stand and testify

That His love is everlasting

And His mercies – they will never end

Lord I may not understand

All the plans He has for me

My life is in your hands

And through the eyes of Him I can clearly see

Prayer : Lord, keep me in your goodness – though I may not understand all you are doing. 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

Am I in the place of God?

Gen 50:19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?

Joseph points them to God. We should point those who want to worship us to God. Touching the glory that belongs to God is risky. There are those who did this and only lived to regret it. The brothers of Joseph expecting Joseph to revenge bow before him …in a plea for mercy. Joseph does not permit this. He knows it was all God at work. It is God and God alone that should be worshipped and never men. Indeed, men and women may hurt us. Be quick to forgive … seek grace to put the hurts behind you and move forward. Do not permit them to come to worship you or encourage them into long processes of making amends. Doing this makes you their God.

Herod was once so admired for his oratory that the people shouted … the voice of god !!!

Act 12:21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. 22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. 23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

Herod did not have time to react to the oratory …he was immediately struck down. Even angels will refuse the worship of men … as they will not dare share in God’s glory. In what way are you seeking glory that belongs to God. God will promote us in His time. Be still and stay far from God’s glory.

Song.

God and God alone,

created all these things we call our own;

from the mighty to the small,

the glory in them all

is God’s and God’s alone.

God and God alone

reveals the truth to all we call unknown.

And the best and worst of man,

won’t change the Master’s plan,

it’s God’s and God’s alone.

God and God alone

is here to take the universe’s throne.

Let everything that lives,

reserve it’s truest praise

for God and God alone.

God and God alone

will be the joy of our eternal home.

He will be your one desire,

our hearts will never tire,

with God and God alone.

Prayer : Lord, do not permit me to stray near the glory that is yours and yours alone. 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

Worship God

Gen 50:18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.

In the previous verse, we see the brothers sending a messenger to Joseph. Joseph weeps realizing that his brothers do not trust him thinking he did all because of his father. But Joseph was given for them. As if realizing their wrong, they now come to him, falling down ..saying they are his servants.

Jesus wants you to come directly to Him. Worship is always the right response. When did you spend an hour worshipping him last. Instead of coming with long confessions and admission why don’t you just go to Him and worship Him. Worship ascribes all worth to the object of our worship …communicating that he is worthy to be served, worthy to be praised …worthy of adoration.

You cannot worship by proxy. The choir or music leader cannot worship for you …you must come yourself. If Joseph – a man … was greeted with his brothers falling before his face … what then should be our posture or manner as we worship the King of kings. Surely, if the angels cover their faces and feet with their wings when they worship – we should show a little more respect.

Song.

Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven;

To His feet thy tribute bring.

Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,

Evermore His praises sing:

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Praise the everlasting King.

Praise Him for His grace and favor

To our fathers in distress.

Praise Him still the same as ever,

Slow to chide, and swift to bless.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Glorious in His faithfulness.

Fatherlike He tends and spares us;

Well our feeble frame He knows.

In His hands He gently bears us,

Rescues us from all our foes.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Widely yet His mercy flows.

Angels, help us to adore Him;

Ye behold Him face to face;

Sun and moon, bow down before Him,

Dwellers all in time and space.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Praise with us the God of grace

Prayer : Lord, I worship you and will worship you forever -the God of Grace

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

Fear, Lies and Tears

Gen 50:16 And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, 17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.

The fearful brothers send a message to Joseph hiding under a lie … a command to forgive by Jacob. Joseph knew it was a lie. He had spent many private moments with Jacob and not once was this issue raised by his father. Joseph wept. Why? Here was someone who had given his entire life for them. It is painful to Joseph that his brothers could not understand the love he had for them. Joseph was their friend who was given for them …yet they still doubted him. If God could give us His only begotten son for our salvation, why do we still find it difficult to receive the love of God. Why do we think God will not forgive us – when he said Christ has paid it all. Two cannot pay for the same offence. Jesus paid. We are free. Joseph also paid …his brothers can receive that salvation. It is sad that we still distrust the love and generosity of God after all God has done …giving us His Son.

Why do we come with lies, vows we cannot keep – to cover our fears … why can we not be frank and come as we are heavy laden with fear and doubts … just simply surrendering to Christ who understands our weak frame. We want things to be complicated. The real issue was the perceived absence of the strong leadership of Jacob and the emerging fears. As you reflect on this devotional – consider that the God of Jacob is in control … and even all strong men can die, fall or leave … Jesus remains the same …yesterday, today and forever. Come clean to Jesus who says … He will forgive. Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest



Song.

Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidst me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not – To rid my soul of one dark blot,

To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about – With many a conflict, many a doubt,

Fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; Sight, riches, healing of the mind,

Yea, all I need in Thee to find, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;

Because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thy love unknown hath broken every barrier down;

Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, of that free love the breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,

Here for a season, then above, O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Prayer : Lord I come to you laden with fears. Let me see your redeeming love afresh. 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

Forgiven

Gen 50:15 And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.

Fear is a highly destructive emotion. It distorts clear thinking and finds an ally in guilt and uncertainty. The death of Jacob creates an instant vacuum of leadership …and fears suddenly surface. Leadership is important in all situations. The Pastor must be a leader and not a club manager …the father must be a leader and not a quiet coach … businesses and nations need leadership. Leaders can be imperfect and may God spare us from evil leadership …but absence of leadership in any situation gives a green light to chaos. Jacob was hardly buried and imaginations begin to run riot.

Guilt and fears arise and it seems certain that Joseph will revenge now that Jacob was buried. It is difficult to understand forgiveness more because it is a divine gift … Joseph was enabled by the spirit of God to release hurts that were so deep. The brothers of Joseph did not understand how or why Joseph should forgive.

As you meditate on this text. Reflect on the truth that forgiveness is not a natural reaction. Most people control their actions well but are only compelled to postpone demonstration of revenge until the opportunity presents itself in a more convenient form that covers their real agenda of revenge. For Joseph that opportunity has now come. Joseph, as a leader, could easily organize processes and events that will inflict pain on his brothers at the same time pretending innocence. This is a common abuse of office.

“Are you a leader”… is there a leadership vacuum in your situation? do you lead in your home as the father? What kind of leader are you? Are you full of tricks masking your inability to forgive and thirst for revenge. Ask God to search you and to give you the gift from Heaven to truly forgive others. How do you take decisions when there seems to be none to challenge or hold you to account … remember that God holds you accountable. God forgives and the blood of Jesus cleanses us … do not allow past guilt to trap you into fears. God’s grace that brought you safe thus far will surely lead you home

Song.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear.

And Grace, my fears relieved.

How precious did that Grace appear

The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come;

‘Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far

and Grace will lead me home.

Prayer : Lord help me to receive your forgiveness and more grace to forgive others. 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