Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 50

Lion of Judah

Gen 49:9 Judah is a lion’s whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?

The Lion of Judah is our Lord Jesus Christ. The picture of the strong young tearing the prey apart and going up to His rest undisturbed by any is an image of both royalty, power and indisputable reign over all. Judah will be formidable to his enemies. Even when the Lion sleeps refusing to respond to apparent threats around Him, there is none that can push Him to act.

Christ in us is compared not to a lion raging but to a calm King enjoying the satisfaction of his great power and unmatchable success. Satan is described as a raging lion seeking whom to devour … but the king of Kings is couched quietly knowing everything bows to Him whenever and wherever.

The lesson here is that we His children can be still and assured that we are safe in His bosom. We are safe as the sheep of His pasture. The fact that His enemies appear permitted for a while to rage and roar in evil is no indication that they can continue to do so when He commands silence. It is the greatness, power and strength in Christ that permits Him to rest undisturbed till the determined time. Indeed, none have the ability to prod Him to make haste or to stop Him when He pounces on His prey. All we can do is to praise Him and worship Him. To thank Him and remain His friend …always close to Him. The enemy is not crazy …he waits for us to wander into sin before he can devour any of His own. No demon will risk the defense of the Lion of Judah. None. Therefore remain in Christ.

Song.

Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast,

There by His love o’ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest.

Hark! ’tis the voice of angels, borne in a song to me.

Over the fields of glory, over the jasper sea.

Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast

There by His love o’ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest.

Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe from corroding care,

Safe from the world’s temptations, sin cannot harm me there.

Free from the blight of sorrow, free from my doubts and fears;

Only a few more trials, only a few more tears!

Jesus, my heart’s dear Refuge, Jesus has died for me;

Firm on the Rock of Ages, ever my trust shall be.

Here let me wait with patience, wait till the night is over;

Wait till I see the morning break on the golden shore.

Prayer : Lion of Judah. Let me not wander from your sight. Keep me safe forever. Amen

Prayer : Lion of Judah. Fight my battles. Let your enemies in my life be all defeated and conquered. 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

Judah – The Conqueror

Gen 49:8 Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father’s children shall bow down before thee.

Quite unexpectedly Judah is singled out as he whom others will praise. His name means praise and Judah will stand out ahead of all the other tribes. Every knee bows to the Lion of Judah. Jesus – the Lion of Judah … that all tribes will praise. What a glorious prediction. Quite an unexpected choice that mirrors the awesome grace of God – given Tamar’s “story”. This is one of the early predictions of Christ and the work He will do. Judah is presented as an aggressive undefeatable conqueror – The Lord of Hosts Himself. This Tribe will be glorious in battle. The image of a warrior’s hand gripping the neck of His enemies is a picture of military conquest and sure victory. It would be a strong and courageous tribe.

When Jesus – the Lord of Hosts fights His battles – we are sure to see sure victory. The strategy of turning over the battle to Him presents our enemies as His enemies. Our cause is a kingdom cause because we are His children. It is vain to fight your battles, when the Lion of Judah … the undefeatable conqueror who supervises the mighty hosts of the Heavens wants to grab the neck of His enemies in our homes, businesses and situations. It is not that our hands will be on the neck of our enemies but the hand of Judah.

Turn over the battle to the Lord of Hosts. Be still to see His salvation and conquest manifest in that situation. More importantly be sure you are not one of the enemies of Judah.

Song.

At the Name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, Every tongue confess Him King of glory now;

’Tis the Father’s pleasure we should call Him Lord, Who from the beginning was the mighty Word.

Mighty and mysterious in the highest height, God from everlasting, very light of light:

In the Father’s bosom with the spirit blest, Love, in love eternal, rest, in perfect rest.

At His voice creation sprang at once to sight, All the angel faces, all the hosts of light,

Thrones and dominations, stars upon their way, All the Heavenly orders, in their great array.

Humbled for a season, to receive a name – From the lips of sinners unto whom He came,

Faithfully He bore it, spotless to the last, Brought it back victorious when from death He passed.

Bore it up triumphant with its human light, Through all ranks of creatures, to the central height,

To the throne of Godhead, to the Father’s breast; Filled it with the glory of that perfect rest.

Name Him, brothers, name Him, with love strong as death – But with awe and wonder, and with bated breath!

He is God the Savior, He is Christ the Lord, Ever to be worshipped, trusted and adored.

In your hearts enthrone Him; there let Him subdue – All that is not holy, all that is not true;

Crown Him as your Captain in temptation’s hour; Let His will enfold you in its light and power.

Brothers, this Lord Jesus shall return again, With His Father’s glory, with His angel train;

For all wreaths of empire meet upon His brow, And our hearts confess Him King of glory now.

Prayer : Lion of Judah. Fight my battles. Let your enemies in my life be all defeated and conquered. 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

Simeon and Levi : Instruments of Cruelty (Part II)

Gen 49:5 Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. 6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honor, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their self-will they digged down a wall. 7 Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.

Simeon and Levi are not cursed, but their anger is cursed. Like the citizens who sought to build a Tower at Babel, they must not be allowed to remain together to avoid worse consequences of their uncontrollable passions. They will be scattered, divided and so weak. A divided house is a doomed place where nothing will work well. Do you not see that your anger must be curbed and you must bring your passions under control or else you will have to suffer needlessly. The anger of Simeon and Levi was not the common anger that lasts for brief moments but it was a fierce anger degenerating into cruel wrath. Cruelty is often not far from unabated anger. It is not as noisy but a quiet anger that plots a deep and painful act of revenge … and refuses help and support to those in need because of past hurts. May God help us. We discover later that the tribe of Levi is rescued from this terrible predicament when in the time of Moses they alone united and stood out for the Lord amongst the other tribes. They became a special tribe of priests – their destiny was changed by an act of singular exceptional courage for God.

Exo 32:26 Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD’S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him. … Num 3:6 Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him.

We learn in this devotional that actions have consequences that go far into the future. We also see that God can wipe out the negative consequences and replace them with fresh good consequences for unusual exceptional choices at critical moments. May we be found standing up for Jesus in the present times when faith in God is under virulent attack. May God give us grace to end well.

Song.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross; Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss.

From victory unto victory His army shall He lead, Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the solemn watchword hear; If while ye sleep He suffers, away with shame and fear;

Where’er ye meet with evil, within you or without, Charge for the God of battles, and put the foe to rout.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the trumpet call obey; Forth to the mighty conflict, in this His glorious day.

Ye that are brave now serve Him against unnumbered foes; Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, stand in His strength alone; The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own.

Put on the Gospel armor, each piece put on with prayer; There duty calls or danger, be never wanting there.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, each soldier to his post, Close up the broken column, and shout through all the host:

Make good the loss so heavy, in those that still remain, And prove to all around you that death itself is gain.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long; This day the noise of battle, the next the victor’s song.

To those who vanquish evil a crown of life shall be; They with the King of Glory shall reign eternally.

Prayer : Lord, Help me to stand up for you…and be numbered among your special army. Amen

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

Simeon and Levi : Instruments of Cruelty (Part I)

Gen 49:5 Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. 6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall. 7 Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.

Simeon and Levi came from a good home. They are brothers and must have shared many things. They were a pair that could have been united to do great things for God. They were close as brothers usually are – but they also had a sister called Dinah, who was defiled by Shechem the son of Hamor – the Hivite.

This infuriated them and caused them to execute a plot of violent murderous revenge. They were ruled by their violent passions … to be ruled by your passions is to be highly reactive and uncontrollable. How can God trust the power to work out a great destiny if this power will one day be misused. It is a great virtue to learn to be patient, quiet and be deliberate …never reacting to anything …most certainly never walking in revenge. We must take time to reflect over issues and discover that what has happened in the past must be released to God. Indeed, there may be pains we bear for acts of perceived injustice but consider Christ that dwells in us likened as a lamb going to be slaughtered who had all power to resist but refused to say a word of defense as he was led to the cross to be killed for our sins.

There are injustices we must bear without reacting in anger. This reflects the nature of the sheep of the pasture of Christ. Justice must be left in the hands of the righteous judge who knows details beyond what you can ever rationalize in your mind. Leave revenge to God, instead praying to release issues and also for those who hurt and curse us. As we release the baggage of past hurts we are strengthened to move forward into higher levels with God.

Song.

Soft as the voice of an angel, Breathing a lesson unheard,

Hope with a gentle persuasion whispers her comforting word:

Wait till the darkness is over, wait till the tempest is done,

Hope for the sunshine tomorrow, after the shower is gone.

If, in the dusk of the twilight, dim be the region afar,

Will not the deepening darkness brighten the glimmering star?

Then when the night is upon us, why should the heart sink away?

When the dark midnight is over, watch for the breaking of day.

Hope, as an anchor so steadfast, rends the dark veil for the soul,

Whither the Master has entered, robbing the grave of its goal.

Come then, O come, glad fruition, come to my sad weary heart;

Come, O Thou blest hope of glory, never, O never depart.

Whispering hope, oh how welcome thy voice,

Making my heart in its sorrow rejoice.

Prayer : Lord, Jesus …meek and mild and my hope of glory – never depart from me. Amen

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

Reuben – the Unstable (Part II)

Gen 49:3 Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: 4 Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father’s bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch

Jacob suddenly changes his tone to address some issues that cannot be just swept off. The instability of Reuben who is described as one cursed to be ever unstable because he would not exercise self-control not to defile his father’s bed. Instability is a great curse. Water assumes any shape it finds itself. It will be cylindrical in a cylindrical vessel and be conical in a conical vessel. Have you seen Christians that blend with any situation … they adapt and flow in all scenarios and can be whatever they need to be for the situation – but they never excel. They will never stand out for anything …They are too weak to shine.

Often times we carry the consequences of past choices in the form of serious character limitations that bind us to mediocrity. We imagine we do not excel because we are not trying enough – but really we cannot be used of God as a divine star because our destiny is polluted. God cannot use an unstable person for he can receive nothing of the Lord. Not even the forgiveness – so urgently needed.

Jas 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his way.

What does it mean not to excel? It means not to shine. It means to always be under a cloud of mediocrity and be far less than God has ordained us to be. What can we do? Firstly, we can repent and begin to make the right choices. Secondly we can go to God for mercy and help. Thirdly, seek the grace that is sufficient to walk in the freedom God has ordained.

Gal 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. If God must ask us to bear our consequences – though forgiven … He must help us not to be bitter, but to sow new seeds of love and forgiveness that will eventually reap mercy and healing of all our scars. You will not miss your crown. There is eternal hope.

Song.

The consecrated cross I’ll bear Till death shall set me free?

And then go home my crown to wear for there’s a crown for me

Prayer : Lord, as I sow forgiveness for others, help me to reap a total and complete forgiveness. 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

Reuben – the Unstable (Part 1)

Gen 49:3 Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: 4 Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father’s bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch

Reuben is introduced as a man with great potential. He was the first born and that conferred to him several advantages automatically in the culture of Israel. Reuben was strong and described as possessing the excellency of power. He seems to be a man that has started well, and in possession of many admirable qualities. He is already on the way to the top and described as already a man of excellence. So what is the problem.

The present may appear good but the future of Reuben is scarred because of the irrepressible law of consequence. The Bible warns us to consider our ways, our moral ways. Everything has a consequence. The curse and the blessing do not come causeless. Tozer said once “everything we do has a dual importance . It is important for what it is in itself and it is important for what it causes to be.” Often times there appears to be no consequence, but at these times it may be best to pray that we bear the pains of our consequence early when we can bear the burdens and not so much later like Reuben when at old age, the sorrow is unbearable. It is strange that Reuben is not chastened by Jacob and little mention of any consequence is recorded concerning the evil that Reuben did.

Tozer goes on to add in “The Dangers of a Shallow Faith” that it is therefore important to consider our choices. Everything we see is as a result of our choices. What we are today is as a result of choices we made yesterday. Reuben made bad choices. A person’s choices distinguish him as either wise or foolish. The wise man knows he must give account of the deeds done in the body, but the fool does not. A fool is not a man of mental deficiencies but one who acts without regard for consequences. We must choose well and choose life knowing that grace and consequences exist.

Song.

Conquering now and still to conquer, rideth a King in His might;

Leading the host of all the faithful into the midst of the fight;

See them with courage advancing, clad in their brilliant array,

Shouting the Name of their Leader, hear them exultingly say:

Refrain:

Not to the strong is the battle, not to the swift is the race,

Yet to the true and the faithful vict’ry is promised through grace.

Conquering now and still to conquer, who is this wonderful King?

Whence are the armies which He leadeth, while of His glory they sing?

He is our Lord and Redeemer, Savior and Monarch divine;

They are the stars that forever bright in His kingdom shall shine.

Prayer : Lord, have mercy on me … give me the grace to make the right choices daily. 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

Gather Yourselves

Gen 49:1 And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days. 2 Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father.

Jacob did not have to call Joseph to be blessed. We read in chapter 48 that Joseph heard his father was sick and came perhaps he suspected the end was coming – and he took his sons along or he was a constant visitor of his aging father. Either way – there is a bond of love and wanting to be with him in the end. We do not know the location of the brothers or the things that concerned them – but they were perhaps unaware of the father’s blessing or were not so interested. They may have still suffered under a shadow of guilt and fear …thinking after their father passed on, Joseph will unleash a plan of revenge.

God has a word for them. He speaks to them as a group …preferring them to all be present at the same time. It was also a comfort to Jacob perhaps to see them all together … now united to hear from God. Jacob was the priest of the home – a true father in both spiritual and physical terms. Jacob kept his communion with God as the priest of the house till the very end. He did not delegate this assignment to any. He could speak for God and accurately too.

Can I speak for God concerning my children? Will my children gather knowing God has a message for them from their father? Indeed, this was also a final opportunity for the brothers of Joseph to make amends … perhaps they will individually and collectively repent and mourn before God – like King Hezekiah did when told by the prophet to prepare for death … how will you react when God speaks as you gather to Him ? Will you resign yourself to fate or will you plead for His mercy. Your children will not respond to you if you have been an irresponsible father. Play the role of a parent. Ask God for wisdom to lead your home.

Isa 38:1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. 2 Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, 3 And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. … 5 Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.

Song.

Master, speak! Though least and lowest, Let me not unheard depart;

Master, speak! For O, Thou knowest – All the yearning of my heart,

Knowest all its truest need: Speak! and make me blest indeed.

Master, speak! and make me ready, When Thy voice is truly heard,

With obedience glad and steady – Still to follow every word.

I am listening, Lord, for Thee: Master, speak! O, speak to me!

Prayer : Lord, Speak to me … I need a word now to prepare for the last days. 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

Above Thy Brethren

Gen 48:22 Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.

Psa 45:7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

The Psalmist prophesies of Christ, the Holy and anointed Son of God – who has been anointed above his fellows. There are reasons given – the love of righteousness and hatred for wickedness. In a similar way Joseph is given a superior portion. Much is said about grace but God is also a God of merit as well as the God of grace. What God rewards is however different … the indicators that God measures are vastly different.

Two measurements are mentioned in this text. Joseph loved righteousness and that bore the fruit of love, peace, long suffering and forgiveness. Joseph walked with God and loved the ways of God. The righteousness of God shone in the life of Joseph who went through great troubles but was never found to murmur or complain. Joseph hated wickedness and so did not compromise his character in the house of Potiphar. He would not betray Potiphar … he hated disloyalty and would go to jail for it …we do not hear him even defending himself or murmuring – not even once. He took it all – not seeking to grasp anything for himself even when He was right.

Be assured that God is a rewarder. He does not assign the portions randomly. From the wicked and idle servant talents will be taken and given to he who invests his talents. Joseph had several gifts and he did not bury them … he had visions and dreams, he interpreted dreams, he could discern God and possessed the wisdom for administration. But all these gifts were used to the glory of God.

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. … Mat 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

The wicked – who bury the promises and gifts of God – their talents differ in their portion to the righteous saint working diligently … applying every talent from Heaven even as he is given more. Can you expect a superior portion from God? Is your service remarkable? Do not be idle.

Song.

In works of labour, or of skill,

I would be busy too;

For Satan finds some mischief still

For idle hands to do.

Prayer : Lord, help me to be fruitful and diligent in the gifts entrusted with me as you guide me to love righteousness and hate wickedness. 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 Land of our Fathers

Gen 48:21 And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.

Joseph has achieved a lot and has been brought through much and risen to the top in Egypt. But He will still need God to sustain Him and eventually bring him out of Egypt with the rest of the tribes of Israel. Indeed if God is for us who can be against us. It does not matter whatever rises against Joseph, the presence of God in his life will address it. Joseph understands this prayer but does not know that the Red Sea will be parted by God working through Moses to completely fulfill this promise.

Many times, we do not know or even understand the extent of God’s blessings and what God means and how He will work to fulfill His word for us. There is a land of our fathers – Heaven and God must be with us through our pilgrimage on earth and bring us to the eternal city. Again it is the work of God and the promise of God. It will be fulfilled in your life. God knows He must bring us to the land of our fathers and so He must keep us from many things. He must say No when our flesh says yes. He must lead, guide and answer all our prayers knowing we have been promised an eternal city.

God does not promise or offer Joseph anything in Egypt in spite of Joseph’s authority – as beautiful and luxurious it must have appeared to these desert tribesmen. God ignores all the marble in the palaces, the delicious meals, enchanting music and elegant fashions and speaks of another land. Although we have much authority here and we shine in Egypt, it is worth always remembering that God has not promised us Egypt. At this most important moment for Joseph, he is reminded that there is another land – the land of his fathers. There is a land where we will one day meet with Abraham, Isaac and Israel …By His grace I will also see you there.

We came from eternity and we will return again there – by the special mercy and grace of God.

Song.

When the battle shall be done,

And the victory be won

Conflict past, conflict past;

In our happy home above,

We’ll receive a crown of love,

At the last, at the last.

Prayer : Lord, may your presence be with me and may you bring me again home to your eternal accommodations. 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 New Standard

Gen 48:20 And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh

God can erase past records and create new standards. God was about to set a new record and a new standard for the word “blessed”. People had been blessed before but none was said to be come so evident that it will be a standard for nations. I pray for you today, that God will use your life to set a new standard for good. When the word joy is mentioned, everyone will refer to you.

When the word peace is described they will speak of your case. When they speak of prosperity, they will speak of your prosperity. God uses His own as standards for good. We know of the wisdom of Solomon … Solomon became a standard for wisdom. When it comes to mercy …we know of the sure mercies of David. David was a standard for mercy. God will single you out for such exceptional good – it will be used as standard in prayers and in blessing others.

God sets and also unsets. His decisions are described as indisputably confirmed. It may take a while to see this, but His Word is forever settled. His counsel is immoveable and unchangeable. There are many things that God has prearranged in a sequence that pleases Him and we cannot do anything about it. This is a great day to thank God for His perfect arrangements in the order that pleases Him. God also orders our steps with His word. He directs our paths on a preset trajectory.

God also sets new standards in the negative sense … for sorrow and regret. Lord, may our case be set for good and not evil – in your perfect and abundant mercy.

Song.

Out in the highways and byways of life,

many are weary and sad;

are weary and sad

Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife

making the sorrowing glad.

Refrain:

Make me a blessing,

Make me a blessing,

Out of my life

out of my life

May Jesus shine;

Make me a blessing, O savior, I pray,

I pray Thee, my Savior,

Make me a blessing to someone today.

Prayer : Lord, let me be remembered always for good and not evil. 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