Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 51

God knows

Gen 48:19 And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.

Have you ever been in a situation when God refuses to grant you your request. When you are certain of the validity of your prayers … and God says No… I have a better plan. It would have been wonderful if God gave very detailed explanations …but I wonder how complex this would be and if our human faculties can process the complete interpretations that stretches beyond generations in the past and future. Why does God hate Esau? Why are fallen angels not helped to repent? Why can everyone not end up in Heaven?

The answer is that God knows all. He is omniscient and we are not created to be. It is good to seek knowledge of God, but often better to just worship Him for who He is …God Almighty. Joseph’s wishes are refused and Joseph must remain perplexed as to God’s purpose or reasons for this. Many scholars have debated the agenda of God in this verse. Suffice it to say that “God knows” … there is no detail that misses the knowledge of Him who knows our thought from afar off. God knows what we will think of in the next decade talk less of our present actions.

In this we also see the abundance in God. The greatness of one does not disturb the shining of another. We can be great not at the expense of the greatness of another. The elder brothers greatness will be short of the younger Ephraim … but God does not tell all about the situation. The great tribe of Ephraim is later filled with pride and joined to idolatry. The wisdom of God is deep and can be perplexing …His ways can be like an ocean with indiscoverable depths.

For this same reason, be assured that though you do not understand the way out of your situation, God has a billion levers that are well beyond your comprehension. You may be disappointed at being refused your desires …consider it a great mercy extended to you – when you are not permitted to have your way. Take solace in the truth that this limitless God is the one that helps, comforts and keeps you.

Song.

Ask the Savior to help you,

Comfort, strengthen, and keep you;

He is willing to aid you,

He will carry you through.

Prayer : Lord, not my will but thine always. 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

Wrong Corrections

Gen 48:18 And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head.

This devotional is not to encourage rebellion or disobedience – but it is possible that the innovation you are proposing is wrong – not of God. How can you be correcting your spiritual father or leader? It is true that you appear to have observed the mistakes of a blind man and have said nothing but now you must correct the elder on an important matter. You are convinced that you have a clearer sight and keener senses? Often when we notice failing physical senses, we conclude the spiritual is also in decline. But not necessarily. Your leader may be aging, but his spiritual insight may still be razor sharp. Indeed Joseph had observed the blindness and it was obvious that Jacob who was in need of a guide to be led around will need help in blessing correctly. Joseph concludes that here was a man who was ready to plunge into error. Joseph proceeded like any other would – moving decisively and meaning well to correct Jacob – but this was a wrong correction.

Often times youth will observe the faltering steps and the shaky steps of elders and come quickly to the conclusion that God has ceased to work through His authority in a situation. Remember that physical aspects are often very different from spiritual …and being able to drive home unaided or push aggressively on a matter is extremely different from spiritual accuracy.

Joseph was young, and strong – the star in Egypt – the Prime Minister of a great nation – but he was very wrong spiritually and had perhaps the right heart but his father had a discernment that was for the far future – a dimension completely unseen to the young Joseph.

It is great to be young and full of new initiative – but remember not to be quick in dismissing leadership and the perspective of fathers – we need them to see into dimensions too far for us to possibly understand … we will need fathers in touch with God to unravel mysteries that are beyond human insights. Joseph was young – but wrong. Do not be quick to despise the elders and do value the role of fathers – spiritual and physical – who God has preserved to correct our zeal. Fathers have gone through much that we do not know and have been shown far more than we can possibly discern. Jacob had paid a heavy cost in his life to eventually understand that God does not need help – even that of the virile, intelligent and honest Joseph. Ponder over this – when next you are tempted to deride the counsel of those who have gone before us – in ministry. The wisdom of past fathers is priceless. May our fathers not be like Eli …who gave control to vagabonds.

Song.

Master, let me walk with thee in lowly paths of service free;

tell me thy secret; help me bear the strain of toil, the fret of care.

Help me the slow of heart to move by some clear, winning word of love;

teach me the wayward feet to stay, and guide them in the homeward way.

Teach me thy patience; still with thee in closer, dearer company,

in work that keeps faith sweet and strong, in trust that triumphs over wrong

Prayer : Lord, open my eyes O Lord. Spare me from presumption. 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

Displeasure of Men

Gen 48:17 And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father’s hand, to remove it from Ephraim’s head unto Manasseh’s head.

There are times we see the well-meaning intentions of men which do not align with the will of God. God is displeased when we do not permit Him to have His way – but more often men are displeased when God rules. Men have their own rules and expectations and have their own thoughts …often meaning well. But the rules of men and their plans may not be the intention of God. When men are displeased with the plans of God, they are quick to take actions and protest in the place of prayer.

This devotional reminds us that the ways of God and the ways of man are very different. The ways of men – even the best of men are like a small fire made with wood and fuel …but the ways of God are like the stars we see burning afar with an unimaginable glow from distances that are unfathomable. His ways are not our ways.

Isa 55:9 For as the Heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

There are times we must simply humbly bow to the ways of God and leave Him to reveal His plans in His own good time. We can be still even when we do not understand what God is doing … and when we think we know what God wants, we will often find ourselves suddenly at a loss. Reflect on this and meditate on this truth. Who are you pleasing? Men – even good, generous and wise men – like Joseph or are you pleasing God. If men who you respect are displeased by your actions, go back to check with God. If God is pleased, if our actions are from the leadings of the Holy Spirit and do not conflict with the written Word. Then be at peace.

Ask God to reveal His ways to you. Is there a matter before you, a decision to be made. Wait on God till you have heard His direction on the matter. Then trust and obey.

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?

Can you be obedient – To the Lord you serve,

Never even flinch, friend, Never even swerve;

Though your next step onward – Seem to lead to death?

Can you then obey Him – Without bated breath?

Prayer : Lord, help my obedience. 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

Introducing the Blessing

Gen 48:15 And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day, 16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.

Our testimonies prepare us to be instruments of blessing for others. Israel has suffered much, but in all these he sees the unseen hand that has always been upon his life. Israel has had experiences that enables him to identify the source of the blessing that must also bless his sons. Jacob saw much evil but also saw the God who redeems from evil. Evil can serve a purpose to help us locate the real God. Jacob has located God and can call on this God to bless Joseph and his children.

Be careful who is laying his hands upon you and yours. You need to know the testimony of the father who is blessing, because in that testimony is the God who is the source. Jacob introduces the blessing by identifying the God who blesses and who He is and what He has done in the past. Jacob has not forgotten his past encounters with God – not for pain but to call upon Him who has blessed him and given many promises – who is the same source that will use him to bless others.

The name that is named on us is important. Have evil and demonic names been named on us. We can reject those names – even change them. Fruitfulness and growth in the midst of lack and difficulty is the portion of all of God’s children. These are common to all of God’s blessed children. Fruitfulness and growth is first spiritual … it will subsequently be physical to the glory of God …but the end will be glorious for God has promised us …

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.

Song.

Abraham’s blessings are mine

Abraham’s blessings are mine

I am blessed in the morning

I am blessed in the evening

Abraham’s blessings are mine

Prayer : Lord, let your glorious name and right hand of blessing be ever upon 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

The Final Say

Gen 48:12 And Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth. 13 And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them near unto him. 14 And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.

There is a song that says Jehovah has the final say. God has a way of doing whatsoever He pleases and defeating all the intentions of men – whether well-meaning or not. God is supreme and does not need our theology and sense of right or wrong. These are for us and not for God. God knows how it must end and decrees as it must be. We cannot dispute His arrangement. Joseph knows that Israel cannot see and so moves the firstborn Manasseh towards Israel’s right hand …the blessing of the right hand is superior and differs in many regards.

God moves the hand of Israel deliberately … wittingly …upon Ephraim. Ephraim means God has made us fruitful … Manasseh means God has caused us to forget the evils and pains of the past. Indeed both names are important, and both tribes have been adopted by Israel as his sons. But Ephraim is chosen for a special elevation above his elder brother.

What do we learn from this? We see that God lifts up as He chooses. God gives with no recourse to the expectations and preferences of men. He will raise the last and make first if He so wishes. God does as He pleases and not as we want it to be. Let God be who He says He is. Let Him be God. Let Him be above all … even our understanding of what He wants to do.

Song.

Above all powers

Above all kings

Above all nature

And all created things

Above all wisdom

And all the ways of man

You were here

Before the world began

Above all kingdoms

Above all thrones

Above all wonders

The world has ever known

Above all wealth

And treasures of the earth

There’s no way to measure

What You’re worth

Prayer : Lord, teach me to let you have your way. 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

Blessed beyond our Prayers

Gen 48:11 And Israel said unto Joseph, I had not thought to see thy face: and, lo, God hath shewed me also thy seed

God promises to give us in excess of what we ask or think – beyond all our imaginations and exceeding our thoughts and expectations. God is not limited to what we ask nor do our thoughts hold him to ransom. He will give us the heathen for an inheritance and will cause souls to come into His kingdom beyond all our expectations and thoughts. Indeed, sin will cut us short of the glory we could have had – but there is also a favor and mercy that goes beyond all we could ever deserve and reveals even things we could never search for or seek. It is good to pray, but best to praise God who does beyond our dreams and exceeds all the boundaries of our intercession. God is our exceeding great reward.

Gen 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

The word exceeding is a good word to study. It means to go beyond in quantity, degree, rate, etc. It means to exceed the limit, to go above boundaries and exceed one’s understanding. It means to surpass in every way … to be superior and to excel. This is who our God is. We can have great thoughts of what He can do – but always be cautioned to know He will always do in excess of all our thoughts. He can give beyond our desires and is not limited by what we can imagine in our limited understanding. In riches, He can bless exceedingly … he has no reason to hold back from His abundant stores. Still we see in this text, that Jacob was blessed to see Joseph, not for Jacob’s sake – but so that God’s will is done, God exceeds our thoughts and prayers to prosper His plans and not to satisfy our lusts for gain. Perhaps we should spend more time to praise Him for His exceeding greatness that is beyond in all its ramifications.

Song.

How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds – In a believer’s ear!

It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, And drives away his fear.

It makes the wounded spirit whole, And calms the troubled breast;

’Tis manna to the hungry soul, And to the weary, rest.

Dear Name, the Rock on which I build, My Shield and Hiding Place,

My never failing treasury, filled – With boundless stores of grace!

By Thee my prayers acceptance gain, Although with sin defiled;

Satan accuses me in vain, And I am owned a child.

Jesus! my Shepherd, Husband, Friend, O Prophet, Priest and King,

My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End, Accept the praise I bring.

Weak is the effort of my heart, And cold my warmest thought;

But when I see Thee as Thou art, I’ll praise Thee as I ought.

Till then I would Thy love proclaim – With every fleeting breath,

And may the music of Thy Name – Refresh my soul in death!

Prayer: Lord, I praise you – for there is no God like you that exceeds our thoughts and even our prayers. 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

Fruit of Deceit

Gen 48:10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.

Israel was old and could not see. What an unfortunate state? Did we not read of Moses who the Bible tells us was strong in his old age… Israel like his father, Isaac had weak senses in his old age – Jacob took advantage of this weakness. He reaped the fruit of his deceit. But Moses was different.

Deu 34:7 And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.

Be careful, the seed you sow – especially to the weak and infirmed. Be careful how you treat the aged. God will never be mocked …we will always reap our seeds. But this also means acts of kindness to the elderly, care for strangers and love to the unlovable will also have its own future harvest. What kind of seed are sowing now? A good seed? What kind of harvest are we reaping now?

I will not worry about past seeds – only ask for God’s mercy and fear Him whose mercy reaches to the very Heavens in its inexhaustible capacity but begin to sow kindness, forgiveness, love, charity, gifts …. begin to help the vulnerable, never taking advantage of the helpless. Find those in the community that all have abandoned and begin to show them love. Leave the rest in the hands of God.

Our old age can be glorious- we do not need to end our years in weakness. Our natural forces need not be abated …we will be strong in our old age. Our youth can be renewed like an eagles…The best seed is waiting on God … this is the sowing of our rights to God …surrendering all to Him. I believe this is what Moses sowed – he could have been a great prince of Egypt but sowed that dream and became the leader of God’s people to lead them out of Egypt … a tough task that cost him much. But though he did not enter the promised land … he reaped in old age a vigor and vitality that Isaac and Jacob never knew. Moses waited on God all through his life, living for God to be used by Him – starting a challenging ministry at 70 when many will be seeking a quiet retirement … Moses waited – even to the very end.

Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Song.

I will wait on you – Almighty God – In the beauty of your holiness

I will worship you – Almighty God. In the beauty of your holiness

Prayer: Lord, teach me to wait upon you …have mercy on me that my latter years be even more glorious than my younger 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

Who are these?

Gen 48:8 And Israel beheld Joseph’s sons, and said, Who are these? 9 And Joseph said unto his father, They are my sons, whom God hath given me in this place. And he said, Bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them.

This devotional reminds us of our responsibility as parents. We do not allow our children to grow up in a default mode assuming they will somehow emerge as children of God. First, we must identify them and speak in faith that they are children of God, given by God to shine for God – with a destiny to be blessed of God. Our children are not mistakes – no matter the circumstance of their delivery – nor are they in any way inferior even though we see certain challenges.

The sin of abortion …destroying in the womb what God has given is not just murder – but worse ; a grievous rejection of that which God has given as a blessing to mankind. Your child is not a wayward urchin. Do not call your son or daughter a vagabond – instead identify him as the gift of God, a good thing – a blessed thing – a wonderful thing. Then you must bring your children to God, by dedicating them and offering them to Him constantly in the place of prayers. Children must be brought to God by teaching them the ways of God and deliberately presenting them to be blessed by His word and truths.

Many drop their children with nannies who bring these children to watch TV cartoon networks or whatever seems convenient. Others have no time to bring their children to God and watch as they are brought to other gods by peers until they end up on the streets. Reclaim your children for God. Begin by calling them the sons and daughters of God – the gifts of God …bring them on your knees first to God. Ask God to forgive you for negligence in your role as a parent. Your son or daughter is a good and perfect gift. Confess this truth and let Satan be proven a liar concerning your children.

Jas 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Song.

For I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

For I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

God made me specially; yes, very carefully,

For I am fearfully and wonderfully made!

When God made the fish, He said and it was so.

When God made the birds, He said and it was so.

But when it came to making man,

He formed him with His hands,

For I am fearfully and wonderfully made!

Prayer: Lord, teach me to see my children as wonderfully made gifts from above – good and perfect. 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

Do not despise little things

Gen 48:7 And as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way, when yet there was but a little way to come unto Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way of Ephrath; the same is Bethlehem.

Very often we despise things because they are little. Little beginnings are not appreciated, little places are sometimes disdained and when we are seeking open doors – a little way can be missed altogether. Rachel was buried in the way of Ephrath, at a time of littleness in a place that is now known as Bethlehem. But Bethlehem will be forever remembered as the chosen birthplace of the king of Kings.

Mic 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

We are often misguided to search for prominence and seek attention, when our place in destiny is meant to be small and unnoticed …until God transforms a little seed into a giant tree. Out of Bethlehem, where Rachel is buried at a time when there was but a little way, emerges the ruler of the entire universe – Jesus.

Today, is there anything awesome God is doing in your life? It will more likely be found flickering in a seemingly insignificant corner. Do not despise it. Do not give in to the mockery targeted at the little. The best of God always seemed to start small. Learn from the tongue – so little a member yet so great in its importance. Or a little leaven that eventually leavens the whole lump. But the importance of smallness and the little way … the way of humility … this is the only way we can receive the kingdom of God.

Luk 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein

When asked to make a choice, Lot chose the well watered cities of Sodom …not knowing these were marked out for destruction …while Abraham remained in the small tent on harsh terrains … Abraham became the father of a blessed people … while Lot fell into mischief and many troubles. Do not despise the God of little beginnings, the God in the little way … who is close to the humble, the meek and poor in spirit. God has not forgotten you – though the way you see may be little.

Song.

God will make a way – Where there seems to be no way

He works in ways we cannot see – He will make a way for me

He will be my guide – Hold me closely to His side

With love and strength – For each new day

He will make a way – He will make a way

By a roadway in the wilderness – He’ll lead me

And rivers in the desert will I see – Heaven and earth will fade

But His Word will still remain

He will do something new today

Prayer: Lord, teach me to see and appreciate the little way you have made, and to follow it. 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

Finally Blessed

Gen 48:5 And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine. 6 And thy issue, which thou begettest after them, shall be thine, and shall be called after the name of their brethren in their inheritance.

Our identity relates to our level. Who we are matters. Whose we are matters even more. Ephraim and Manasseh were grandchildren but have been promoted to receive the direct blessing of children. All the other children that come after Ephraim and Manasseh will be blessed by Joseph and not by Israel.

Who are you? You are blessed. You are the child of God. You have been blessed directly in Christ Jesus. You do not belong to a pastor or to a prophet. The blessings of our earthly and spiritual parents count but the blessings of God count far more.

We are already a blessed people. We have received the blessings as revealed in the word of God. We cannot obtain any other superior blessing and we do well to stop chasing and seeking after blessings that the word of God already says we possess.

Heb 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Jas 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Rev 14:13 And I heard a voice from Heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.

Rev 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. Rev 19:9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Rev 22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Thank God – I am blessed in Christ Jesus.

Song.

I’m so glad I belong to Jesus. I belong to Jesus. I belong to my God 2ce (Chorus)

Prayer: Lord , may it never be said that my life and indeed anything in me – rejected your everlasting blessings.

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