Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 49

A Fruitful Bough

Gen 49:22 Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall:

Joseph is unusually gifted in administration, interpretation of dreams, discerning God … but Jacob has no words to waste on his gifts. It is the fruit of Joseph that is praised. It takes longer to bear fruit – the fruits of the spirit will often require the seed of the word to go deep and be well rooted in us before we can be truly patient, genuinely loving and long suffering. But Joseph is lavish in spiritual fruit. He does not plant gardens for himself or erect a memorial nor are we that told that he built palaces. Instead, he had a heart to forgive that was so generously demonstrated. There were no arguments or disputes … only a peaceful reconciliation with his family.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Eph 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

Joseph was not just gifted and fruitful …but also a man of influence and the positive impact of his life could be seen all around him. His contributions for good could be seen all over Egypt. Goodness seemed to overflow out of his life …impacting nations that needed bread, who came to Egypt. He was famous … yet so humble. What a testimony. A man who went through a process in which most would have cursed God or murmured bitterly. He ended up being what God wanted him to be, in spite of being thrown into the cesspool of Egypt … as a hungry slave. If Joseph could be fruitful for God – no doubt intensively prepared and taught in the early days by Jacob while others were in the field. The seed that was planted by God in him bore a huge harvest … that he is called a fruitful bough. The question you should ask yourself – will I be termed a fruitful bough or just gifted?

Song.

Love divine, all loves excelling,

Joy of Heaven to earth come down;

Fix in us thy humble dwelling;

All thy faithful mercies crown!

Jesus, Thou art all compassion,

Pure unbounded love Thou art;

Visit us with Thy salvation;

Enter every trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit,

Into every troubled breast!

Let us all in Thee inherit;

Let us find that second rest.

Take away our bent to sinning;

Alpha and Omega be;

End of faith, as its Beginning,

Set our hearts at liberty.

Prayer: Father, Help me to be fruitful. Ame n

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

Goodly words

Gen 49:21 Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words.

Naphtali means wrestling implying a destiny with struggles but which prevails. The disposition of the hind can be swift, loving and gentle, zealous or even trembling in danger but more importantly this hind is let loose … enjoys liberty. For a name that suggests conflict, Naphtali is the tribe that enters into a true joy that comes from freedom to serve and worship God unhindered. The contribution of Naphtali are his words … good, seasoned and uplifting.

A man with goodly words is a rare gift of God. Words can be very powerful and the fruit of comforting words goes far in ways we underestimate. The one who gives goodly words is the encourager, telling us, we can still make it … we can make Heaven …God has not abandoned us .. we can receive healing. Goodly words are not flattering words – and the goodly must often be laced with bitter herbs to find that unique satisfying taste. Goodly words that are just sugary are like a rich chocolate cake with far too much sweeteners, fruits and currants … we soon feel bloated and uncomfortable … chastening is goodly because we are helped forward by our pilgrim journey as a result of hearing words of correction. Disputing and arguing is a waste of time …it is a reaction to that which is vain. Even if you won all your arguments – how does that move you forward.

Naphtali is a poet, an author .. a composer of hymns …whose words have come from a hard wrestling with life and eventual God-given breakthrough in spite of daunting odds. I discover that the most encouraging and inspiring words in the Hymns came from saints that rose through difficult struggles and suffered much.

Do not be afraid to express the creativity that is in you. Only remember to be kind.

Song.

Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life,

Let me more of their beauty see, wonderful words of life;

Words of life and beauty teach me faith and duty.

Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life,

Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.

Christ, the blessèd One, gives to all wonderful words of life;

Sinner, list to the loving call, wonderful words of life;

All so freely given, wooing us to Heaven.

Sweetly echo the Gospel call, wonderful words of life;

Offer pardon and peace to all, wonderful words of life;

Jesus, only Savior, sanctify us forever.

Prayer : Father, May I be like Naphtali … a man of goodly words. 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

Wealth, Food and Royal Dainties

Gen 49:20 Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.

Asher is foretold to be a wealthy tribe. Well nourished … described as “fat” …a symbol of overflowing substance … exporting beautiful things and dainties sought by royalty. This tribe will be known not just for agriculture but its royal contributions. The diligent and uncommonly talented will stand before Kings. Asher is a diligent and disciplined tribe. Not a tribe spoilt by opportunity … renowned for a rare excellence sought for in the palaces of the world.

Friends, excellence does not come easily. Only the outstanding will be admitted into the palaces. Fatness and laziness are unrelated. The bread basket of Israel are a tribe who will serve the best and will have great wealth and riches. God is not against the wealth of His diligent sons. Someone reading is going to excel in large scale agriculture …exporting grains for the best quality ingredients that will be desired in the ovens of royal palaces.

Asher is the younger brother of Gad; these two being the sons of Zilpah, the handmaid of Leah. God promotes the handmaid that served well … her sons are raised up amongst the tribes – even excelling in substance. Asher is said to mean “blessing”… again God lifts up the lowly …For someone reading “All generations shall call you blessed”. You will be blessed both spiritually and materially. Your substance will be said to be “fat” … and Kings will seek you out – for your excellence. Despite your background, you will shine in Christ like a thousand stars … Labor for excellence.

Song.

Lord the Light or Your Love is shining,

In the midst of the darkness shining,

Jesus light of the world shine upon us,

Set us free by the truth You now bring us,

Shine on me. Shine on me.

Shine Jesus shine

Fill this land with the Father’s glory

Blaze, Spirit blaze,

Set our hearts on fire

Flow, river flow

Flood the nations with grace and mercy

Send forth Your word

Lord and let there be light.

As we gaze on Your kindly brightness.

So our faces display Your likeness.

Ever changing from glory to glory,

Mirrored here may our lives tell Your story.

Shine on me. Shine on me.

Prayer : Father, May the Daystar shine through all my endeavors. 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

An Overcomer at last

Gen 49:19 Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last

Be strong and encouraged. The story is not over for you. Gad was told that a troop – a major defeat would befall him. The Gadites were men of war but it is their persistence that make them stand out. The Moabites and the Ammonites were formidable foes with many troops and armed fighters …and Gad was overcome in many skirmishes … but they were eventually completely subdued – Gad playing a major role in their defeat.

An elder once said, it does not matter how the battle goes …what matter is who is standing in the end. I want to encourage someone reading …do not confuse the process with your destiny. In the process, like Gad, there are many troops defeating you, but you are learning from every defeat. Your destiny is to overcome at last. In the end in Christ you win.

Spiritually you may be down, fallen, defeated and overcome by so many things you cannot begin to explain but I want to let you know that you shall overcome at last. You will sing ” At last – I win”.

Remember the tribe of Gad and do not give up … instead prepare again for battle. Soon …you will say “..at last”

Song.

Get up and fight … Receive strength from God

You are an overcomer – you are born to shine

Destined to win. Win at last.

Arise and fight … Believe His word

The Blood conquers – you are born to shine

Destined to win. Win at last.

Be unstoppable …always getting up again.

Be unconquerable …. always returning to the ring..

Troops overcame Gad but in the end he overcame

Arise, Get up and Fight. At last – your victory.

Just Trust and Obey

For there is no other way

To be happy in Jesus

But to trust and Obey

Prayer : Father, Lift me up once more … for now I overcome. 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

Thy Salvation – O Lord

Gen 49:18 I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD

Jacob is interrupted in this most important duty by his thoughts and he voices these thoughts – so important that they are recorded. I believe these are perhaps the most important messages that summarize an entire life. In the end Jacob could say “I have waited”. Jacob was a deeply spiritual man – in spite of many issues and weak spots … in the end he spoke for God like no one ever could in his generation. He was God’s voice and priest on the earth. He did not lose any of his children – God kept them in His own special way ..preserved them from death by hunger in a famine and brought him to a wealthy place.

Jacob started with many schemes and plans … many ambitious thoughts and agenda …but he ended well. He saw the salvation of the Lord in everything that happened to him. It was all the salvation of the Lord and he had learnt to wait to see it. For Jacob had discovered that when God is saving us we cannot always know it … often we think he is destroying or hurting us. Everything … from the barrenness of Rachel, the favoritism that Joseph enjoyed leading to his unfortunate adventures … imprisonment in Egypt of his son. It was all God saving the chosen tribe from starvation and preserving them in Egypt until the foretold time of the Exodus. In the end …the waiting of Jacob was rewarded. He saw that salvation and it all made sense to him. He sees all his children gathered around him – perhaps for the last time …He gasps … I have waited for thy salvation. He cannot believe his eyes and the evidence of the fruit of waiting on God.

There are many promised sources of salvation … the salvation of God works differently in ways that are not our ways. Wait for it – It is already at work in your life , only you do not see it …you cannot see it. You must wait on the Lord. Soon … you will rejoice to discover that none of your children are lost.

Song.

Only Jesus can save my brother Only Jesus can save Hallelujah

There is no other way my brother Only Jesus can save Hallelujah

Money cannot save my brother Only Jesus can save Hallelujah

Friends cannot save my brother Only Joseph can save Hallelujah

Prayer : Father, Teach me to wait for thy salvation and your salvation alone. Amen

Prayer : Father, Make me undefeatable in Spiritual Warfare. 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 Subtle Judge

Gen 49:16 Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel. 17 Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.

Dan was the son of a concubine … but blessed amongst the tribes of Israel. Your origin will not disqualify you. Dan is needed in the family of God and must play his role. There are many ways to bring down the enemies of God. There are bold fighters that pounce on their enemies like Judah the Lion. But there are some enemies who will not be brought down by direct means. They will need those like Dan, adders who know how and when to bite the heels of their horses … so that they fall to their end.

Dan is both subtle and knows the law of God. Cunning to advance the interest of the Kingdom through intelligent arguments but also by brutal warfare. Being a judge and a subtle attacker provide an interesting blend of skills to push the agenda of God and resist the oppression of the culture.

There are many laws today that are not Godly …advanced by atheists pretending to care more for the people offering a peace that is not there. These enemies of all that is Godly cannot always be brought down directly and God will use shrewd processes to still have His way. There are many evil riders in society, leadership and the cultures …that must be made to fall backward without anyone touching them. Saints like Dan are needed … to complement the more open courage and fierceness of the lion in Judah. Dan is wise. He is like a lawyer who argues his case well and floors his opponent with superior legal logic but also anointed in spiritual warfare.

Song.



I dare not be defeated with Calvary in view,

Where Jesus conquered Satan, where all His foes He slew;

Come, Lord, and give the vision – to nerve me for the fight,

Make me an overcomer – clothed with Thy Spirit’s might.

A victor, a victor! Because of Calvary.

Make me an overcomer, A conqu’ror, a conqu’ror, Lord, in Thee.

I dare not be defeated – Since Christ, my conquering King

Has called me to the battle – Which He did surely win.

Come, Lord, and give me courage, Thy conquering Spirit give,

Make me an overcomer, In power within me live.

I dare not be defeated, When Jesus leads me on

To press through hellish regions – To share with Him His Throne;

Come, Lord, and give Thy soldier – The power to wield the sword,

Make me an overcomer – Through Thine inerrant Word.

I dare not be defeated, Just at the set of sun,

When Jesus waits to whisper, “Well done, beloved, well done”;

Come, Lord, bend from the Glory, On me Thy Spirit cast,

Make me an overcomer, A victor to the last.

Prayer : Father, Make me undefeatable in Spiritual Warfare. 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

A Strong Ass

Gen 49:14 Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens: 15 And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute.

God needs burden bearers. There are many burdens that must be borne for the Kingdom. Financial burdens, prayer burdens …burdens to serve the loveless and the hopeless. Burdens to give expecting little in a hard demanding land. God needs burden bearers who will go where none want to go and remain in thankless positions. A few are like Issachar …blessed to be strong in service and carrying the loads and weights that must be carried. They are slowed because of the burdens they bear but they are special before God. They couch between two burdens when most will not even carry one.

Why do they carry? Because they see there is a rest – that is worth serving for. The rest of the hard working farmer is sweet. The sleep of the one who has labored all day is deep and undisturbed. Issachar sees that the rest was good and the land is pleasant … and they bow again to bear more burdens.

May we be motivated by the eternal rest ahead to serve. May we think of Heaven and may the thoughts of its goodness motivate to do more, give more, sacrifice more and help more. Scriptures tell us that Issachar was blessed to be strong and unusually industrious and reliable. Inclined naturally to labor when others declined. Zebulun was called upon for rents and taxes …financially blessed … a wealthy tribe founded on a work ethic of diligence and sacrifice. Perhaps you have been blessed to be like Issachar to give, carry double burdens and thrive in sacrificing for others. Do not despise this unusual grace that you have. One day in Heaven …you will truly say ” the rest is good … the rest is good …the rest is good”

Song.

Would you live for Jesus, and be always pure and good?

Would you walk with Him within the narrow road?

Would you have Him bear your burden, carry all your load?

Let Him have His way with thee.

His power can make you what you ought to be;

His blood can cleanse your heart and make you free;

His love can fill your soul, and you will see

’Twas best for Him to have His way with thee.

Would you have Him make you free, and follow at His call?

Would you know the peace that comes by giving all?

Would you have Him save you, so that you can never fall?

Let Him have His way with thee.

Would you in His kingdom find a place of constant rest?

Would you prove Him true in providential test?

Would you in His service labor always at your best?

Let Him have His way with thee.

Prayer : Father, May I live for Jesus – also, to find and testify always… the rest is good …the rest is good. 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

Zebulun

Gen 49:13 Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon.

Jos 19:10 And the third lot came up for the children of Zebulun according to their families: and the border of their inheritance was unto Sarid: 11 And their border went up toward the sea, and Maralah, and reached to Dabbasheth, and reached to the river that is before Jokneam;

Jacob accurately predicted that Zebulun will be noted for being mariners, merchants and traders of the sea, with borders towards the seas. This was an event that eventually came to pass, generations after Jacob and his children. Many of the blessings and promises pronounced over your life will be things that will happen over a hundred years after you are dead. God dwells in eternity, speaks in eternity and is an eternal God. This means yesterday, today and tomorrow … a thousand years ago … a thousand years to come …all these are like a second before God. He has perfect memory and foresight with no lack of clarity whatsoever. Mankind on the other hand are impatient, they are anxious concerning a tomorrow they do not know and have already forgotten the lessons of last week.

If only we can just remain still and learn to trust God to do what He has promised at the time. Zebulun are a family enjoying the hospitality of Egypt – perhaps thinking there is no more – but Jacob sees far … he sees beyond the exodus outside Egypt, way beyond the wanderings in the wilderness … Jacob sees beyond the conquest of Jericho… He sees the apportioning that Joshua did concerning Zebulum.

Someone reading is already blessed. Someone reading is a trading giant …used by God in Industry and Commerce. Leading in Banking and Manufacturing. A manager of conglomerates…and it will all be the doing of the Lord. Only do not forget Him who makes you to prosper. Do not forget that it was the doing of the Lord. It is perhaps likely that many had forgotten the blessings of Jacob concerning Zebulun, as Joshua apportioned land to them … May we not forget the promises of God and teach our children to remind their children … there is a home in eternity … there is an eternal inheritance. We have responsibilities to honor God in our evangelism, giving and thanksgiving as He prospers His purposes in our time. You are blessed. Blessings are waiting to come to pass in your generation. Hallelujah.



Song.

In His time, In His Time

He makes all things beautiful in His time.

Lord please show me every day

As your teaching me Your way

That You do just what You say

In Your time.

In Your time, In Your Time

You make all things beautiful in Your time.

Lord my life to You I bring

May each song I have to sing

Be to you a lovely thing

In Your time.

Prayer : Father, May all your glorious promises concerning – come to pass – In your time. 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

Wine and Milk

Gen 49:11 Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass’s colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes: 12 His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.

Isa 55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Judah continues to symbolize Christ and what He would stand for. In Him is wine and milk which has already been paid for. His wine and milk is available to those that have no money, yet those with great fortunes cannot afford to buy it. Christ brings salvation that has been paid with His own blood – a priceless but potent fluid to cleanse us from all our sins …bringing us clean before God.

Jacob foresees the cross, the saints washed by the blood of Jesus – crushed like grapes for us. Jacob foresees a time of nourishing and refreshing of the soul by the milk of the word. He foresees a time of joy that the world does not give and cannot take away. Christ is the true Vine; wine being the symbol of His blood shed at Calvary for sinners. Wine and milk are also pictures of prospering of the soul, the blessings of the gospel foretold for all that thirsteth – invited to come to the living waters – the Holy Spirit given to comfort us. Wine is also a symbol of the Holy Spirit which fills us to an overflowing enabling us to speak in other tongues -walking in a fresh power and anointing.

In the text, we see that God already foreknew all that Christ would be and do and the tribe of Judah was pre-chosen just as the blessings of the chosen – those that belong to Christ are foreshadowed in the cleansing blood of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the joy of the Lord, the anointing and peace of God and the milk of the word of God that nourishes the new believer. Be encouraged as saints, that God has indeed made a complete provision through Christ – of the Tribe of Judah. Salvation, cleansing, sustenance, joy, direction and power … all in Him.

Song.

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in Thee;

Let the water and the blood,

From Thy wounded side which flowed,

Be of sin the double cure;

Save from wrath and make me pure.

Nothing in my hand I bring,

Simply to the cross I cling;

Naked, come to Thee for dress;

Helpless look to Thee for grace;

Foul, I to the fountain fly;

Wash me, Savior, or I die.

Prayer : Christ, O Christ … wash me, Savior, or I die. 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

Prince of Peace

Gen 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

The sceptre speaks of the throne. King David was from the tribe of Judah fulfilling this prophesy and Christ was also from this tribe, the Holy one unto whom the gathering of the people will forever be. The Kingship of Christ is everlasting. We are, also in Him, kings … a royal priesthood, a Holy nation and our Lord is the King of kings.

Jacob saw through the eyes of God the many things that the brothers could perhaps never understand. When we walk closely with God. God shows us what He intends to do and gives prophetic insight to assure us on our journey.

When Shiloh comes – referring to Christ then all must bow to Him. Strong’s Concordance translates the Hebrew word Shiyloh as “tranquil” or peace. Undoubtedly, this refers to the Messiah soon to come. He is called, “The Prince of Peace.” Another expression of “Shiloh,” is found in the expression: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that brings good tidings, that publishes peace.” He promises to “…extend peace to her like a river…” and “great shall be the peace of your children.” Are you weary or troubled, Christ in you is the Prince of Peace. His word publishes peace and His promise to us is that great shall be our peace. Receive His peace afresh today. Shiloh has come – gather unto Him. Cease from fretting.

Song.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

when sorrows like sea billows roll;

whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain: It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

let this blest assurance control,

that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

and hath shed his own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole,

is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,

praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

even so, it is well with my soul.

Prayer : Shiloh. As I come to you, let my peace be great. 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