Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 6

Stuff of Tobiah

Nehemiah 13:8 And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber.

After grieving, comes action. There must be correction. Refusing to act is irresponsible … to keep accommodating the things that cause grief is foolish and dangerous. Nehemiah wept, but after – he threw out all the things that belonged to Tobiah. What would these be? Perhaps his change of clothes, furnishings …documents, perhaps the things that made him comfortable, even his bed. Look around you, what are the things that belong to satan that are in your life. Maybe you need to tear up that club membership – you know you always drift into adultery everytime you go only for a few drinks …maybe you should give up drinking alcohol … the last time you had a drink it ended in a brawl … maybe there are magazines in your house you should not have or buy. Are there things that the devil will use to destroy your life, do not tolerate those things once you sense that they could be weapons in the hands of the destroyer of souls.

There are many things in the Bible that we are told to shun … wordliness, youthful lusts, excess …innocent gossip, exaggerations, envy … little foxes and maybe even the larger deceptions. The devil has his own furniture … he needs a comfortable environment … he hates where God is praised – so you can fill your habitations with praise. He hates to hear a loud halleluyah, so you can raise a loud shout praising God. The question you must ask today is if your environment is comfortable for God or for the devil. Pray that God will show how not to give any room to satan in all that you do.

The Bible warns us not to be unequally yoked. If you marry the daughter of darkness, then the devil becomes your father-in-law and has the right to visit you with his baggage. Be sensitive to these issues.

2Cor 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

Verses for further meditation

James 4:4; Matthew 13:25

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders take firm, often unpleasant decisions.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, uproot all that you have not planted in my life. Amen

As Nehemiah’s wall was built, so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts. I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.

To subscribe to the devotional, please enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.

Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.

Grief for Evil

Nehemiah 13:8 And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber.

Before we judge or act, we must search our hearts. Our motivations must be right. Nehemiah understood that Eliashib had been deceived …he knew also that Tobiah was also an instrument of the devil. The enemy had come in to ravage his brethren and lure them into deception. This made him sad and unhappy causing him so much grief. How we react to evil tells us more about ourselves than we think. Nehemiah was not an ambitious man trying to hold on to power. He was not a man looking for an opportunity or reason to get rid of Tobiah. He had no ill feelings against Eliashib. He was a sad man … grieving concerning the spiritual decay that had led to such a deplorable situation. Far too many are quick to judge without grieving the evil that is being judged … in many cases their actions are power play and jostling to get an upper-hand – with no thought for the spiritual deceptions at work. So many corrections are worse than the act that was corrected.

The Bible warns us to be careful when we make corrections so we are not dragged into pride and self-righteousness. When we realize that we have received grace to be understand evil from God we will not see ourselves as superior to the ignorant but will be full of grief for the shame and poor situation that has befallen our sister or brother. Nehemiah’s first reaction was not to tell the world or to take stern action …but to grieve …and the Bible adds that it grieved him sore. Has it ever occurred to you to grieve for the sins and deceptions others fall into?

Jeremiah 45:3 Thou didst say, Woe is me now! for the LORD hath added grief to my sorrow; I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest.

Verses for further meditation

Isaiah 53:3; Proverbs 17:25

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders can appear tough but inside is a soft grieving heart.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, help me to see things the way you do. Amen

As Nehemiah’s wall was built, so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts. I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.

To subscribe to the devotional, please enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.

Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.

Tobiah’s Chamber

Nehemiah 13:7 And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God.

Why does Tobiah need a chamber? He needs a base to operate from … he needs to be close to the work to be able to frustrate it. The enemy needs to get very close. His target is in the center of our heart … he must find an ally close to us to use. Do not look far to see who the devil wants to use to get you off track. Eliashib was the trusted overseer in the house of God – yet he was available to be manipulated by the devil. Nehemiah would have been overwhelmed at this discovery …intimidated by the situation, even doubting himself … if God will permit this, then perhaps Tobiah was right …his doubts will rage.

It is not a mild matter to confront someone close who does not even understand his betrayal. As far as Eliashib was concerned, Tobiah had some valid points and there is never one way to an issue …Nehemiah needed to be more accommodative. But what Eliashib lacked was understanding …Nehemiah knew that danger was close and he needed to act quickly. He has to do something very unpopular … He must pray for strength.

Matthew 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

Verses for further meditation

John 6:64; 1 Chron 12:17

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders expect that there will be betrayals.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, keep me strong to respond correctly always – especially to evils. Amen

As Nehemiah’s wall was built, so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts. I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.

To subscribe to the devotional, please enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.

Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.

Understanding Evil

Nehemiah 13:7 And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God.

Discovering evil is one thing, but understanding it is something else. We tolerate so many things simply because we do not understand their motive or agenda. The devil and his agents have three principle assignments to kill, steal and to destroy everything we cherish that God has given us to enjoy. The devil is not just out to embarrass you, but he is not going to stop until you burn in eternal hell. He is not just out to frustrate your business, but he is not going to stop until he convinces you to commit suicide. He will hide every divine comfort from your eyes until you grieve yourself to an early grave. His agenda of complete destruction is to see Jerusalem back not just in ruins, but burnt to ashes – never to stand again. Tobiah was the devils agent and as Nehemiah understood the agenda, it helped him fashion an appropriate response.

Most underestimate or misjudge the devil’s plans. Straying with a strange woman seems like a one night fling, but it can cause so much turmoil leaving present and unborn generations in conflict, unforgiveness and bitterness. Do not give room to the devil. Do not permit space for his comforts. Run from his lusts … if only you take time to think and understand – you will be more resolute in your response.

Proverbs 28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

Verses for further meditation

Daniel 9:13; 2 Peter 2:12

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders have understanding not just observation.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, help me to understand all things. Amen

As Nehemiah’s wall was built, so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts. I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.

To subscribe to the devotional, please enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.

Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.

Waste no Time

Nehemiah 13:6 But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king

The palace was a luxurious capital …full of dainties, meats, wines and the best of comforts. But Jerusalem was the place of assignment … a work in progress settlement. Nehemiah deserved a holiday, after all he had achieved …perhaps a few months in Babylon. The language of the verse suggests Nehemiah wasted no time in obtaining permission to return after days. Time should not be wasted. Effective leaders know that time is precious and needs to employed with a sense of responsibility. Being time conscious does not being rude or brash … Nehemiah observed the protocol in the palace by seeking the kings permission. Be polite and respectful of constituted authority, but be conscious of how you spend time, especially when you are far from the place of assignment. Get back to work as soon as you can. Your place of destiny is that place where you cannot afford to be separated long from. There is a duty that keeps burning in your heart that you sense you need to do …that is your divine assignment – you feel the strong urge to return to it. The devil can also sense your assignment and will tempt you away with whatever he has in his arsenal of distractions and offences.

Beware and avoid idle busy bodies in the kings palace. May you be hidden from mischief makers and power mongers. Be focused on your assignment. Be diligent and you will soon stand before kings.

Luke 9:51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem.

Verses for further meditation

Proverbs 22:29; 1 Cor 7:35

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Maintain your focus on your assignment.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, keep my eyes off the evil distractions of life. Amen

As Nehemiah’s wall was built, so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts. I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.

To subscribe to the devotional, please enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.

Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.

Absent in Jerusalem

Nehemiah 13:6 But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king:

The absence of a leader is a permission for disorder. There are many leaders physically present but yet absent in terms of direction. It does not take time for people to drift. If the Spirit of God could go on holiday for a minute …if God could slumber for a micro second … it is enough for the devil to finish his evil craft.

Indeed, we need holidays and times of rest – but be sensitive to the possibility that it takes a few days of lack of direction for things to go amiss. Nehemiah had to go to the King …perhaps to report progress to his sponsor …only a few days we learn. But enough for fresh troubles to brew.

I pray the presence of God never departs again from your heart. I pray the Holy Spirit is never grieved in your life. I pray your life is always filled with praises of the most high God. Always keep being filled with Him … leaving no room for something else.

Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.

Verses for further meditation

1 Peter 5:8; Luke 22:12

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders make their presence felt even when physically absent.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, keep me vigilant. Amen

As Nehemiah’s wall was built, so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts. I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.

To subscribe to the devotional, please enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.

Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.

Lack

Nehemiah 13:5 And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests

God does not want His people to lack anything… but to instead be blessed and provided for. He does not want Levites, singers and porters engaged in other commercial ventures … rather, he has arranged for them to be provided for – so they can minister to God. But what happens when the space to store that which should have been shared to them, is used as a chamber for the devil’s agents. Where there is no safe storage, something is stolen or easily misdirected and the temple workers begin to lack. When there is lack, there is a distraction – they begin to hunger and to beg or find something to do to earn enough to feed their families.

Lack is not God’s plan. Behind lack is a conspiracy with darkness. Remember the agenda of the devil. He comes to steal, kill and to destroy. Any and everything that is good and attractive is targeted by him. There are days when we should say “No” to the devil’s conspiracy … to see that you do not have the provision and goodness God has stored for you.

Psalm 31:19 Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

The word of God is forever settled. Satan must bow to that word and clear out of the place where your goodness is meant to be laid up. Glory be to God.

Verses for further meditation

Matthew 16:23; Romans 16:20

Thoughts for Business and the work place

There are days to kick satan out of your business.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, get thee behind me – you wicked one, there is no place for you in my life. Amen

As Nehemiah’s wall was built, so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts. I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.

To subscribe to the devotional, please enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.

Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.

Tobiah’s Great Chamber

Nehemiah 13:5 And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.

A great room with enough space is prepared for Tobiah. Why is this done? God does not expose this huge space for evil communication provided by the priest for the enemy. It is called a chamber. Evil alliances require a great chamber as well …. have you seen a large and great space … a huge auditorium but which serves only as a venue for alliance with satan. Do not be moved by the size or by the undisturbed progress of an agenda – to think it must be of God. Test every agenda — find out about their giving. Is it stored as God commanded or has room been made for the devil. I suspect a large room is required because there were many that gathered with Tobiah. Ask yourself how much room has been made for the enemy in your life?

Be careful … there are many avenues the devil must use for access into your life. Do your cleaning and checking … ask tough questions …how much room have I made for the devil? Check your joy …check your zeal for the things of God … check your giving to the things of God … check your words … check your faith… do you sense an alignment with the word of God or have you made room for the enemy?

Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.

Verses for further meditation

1 Peter 5:8; James 4:7

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Greatness can be the greatness of darkness. Which is yours.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, teach me to resist the devil. Amen

As Nehemiah’s wall was built, so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts. I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.

To subscribe to the devotional, please enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.

Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.

Betrayal

Nehemiah 13:4 And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah:

Why should the enemy come with his worst at this time when progress has been made. Tobiah was committed to the failure of the work and he had friends close Nehemiah. Eliashib was not with Nehemiah, but he was a good actor …

Betrayal is a very painful blow. It strikes the heart … a well aimed arrow that can tear down all your resolve and paralyse action if you do not know how to respond to attacks from close within.

David was a man, used to betrayal but the rebellion of his son was perhaps too much to bear – and would have destroyed any other … David responded by putting it all in the hands of God … leaving the city for Absalom as they laughed and stoned him. Sometimes our approach must be to go even lower and bow out quietly … knowing if it pleases God we will be brought back …and if it does not please God to restore …we will still have our fellowship with God which surpasses all human support.

Christ looked at Judas and told him to do that which he must do and do it quickly. He did not fear betrayal because God would use even the betrayer for His glory. There could have been no crucifixion without Judas.

Be careful … watch for bitterness …remember that nothing is hid from God. If God has permitted betrayal to come, then He has also provided strength to bear it. Be strong for all that is coming ahead. Good and bad.

Verses for further meditation

Matt 26:46; Matt 24:10

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Not everyone can be with you – seek God for the right approach to deal with conflict

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, help me to respond in a way that pleases you – in times of betrayal. Amen

As Nehemiah’s wall was built, so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts. I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.

To subscribe to the devotional, please enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.

Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.

Be Vigilant

Nehemiah 13:4 And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah:

Vigilance … the times call for vigilance. Now the wall has been built, the work has started well … divine order is being established and we expect there will be peace. But not so. The devil still goes to work …he changes gear and goes to work … underground. Do not expect everyone to be happy, when God begins to do His work in your life …be prepared for trouble from unseen quarters …where you least expect.

The Bible says that the afflictions of the righteous are many …but there is always a deliverance. I wish I could tell you that there will not be trouble but there will be – many troubles. Do not begin to live in suspicion of people, but in the assurance that there is a God that delivers from all and He will help you come on top in all situations of trouble.

One would think the priesthood would be safe from intrigues … but not so. The one who has oversight of the chamber of the house of God is not aligned with Nehemiah …. The devil has found a good tool.

Be vigilant.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour

Verses for further meditation

Job 6:23; Psalm 41:11

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Trouble can be concealed in least expected corners. Leaders have mastered vigilance

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, do not permit my enemy to triumph over me. Amen

As Nehemiah’s wall was built, so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts. I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.

To subscribe to the devotional, please enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.

Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.