Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 62

No Wasteful Emotions

Gen 42:37 And Reuben spake unto his father, saying, Slay my two sons, if I bring him not to thee: deliver him into my hand, and I will bring him to thee again.

Rachel had two sons. One is Joseph and the other is Benjamin. If both are lost … Rachel’s line will be completely cut off. Reuben offers his own two sons to be slain if for any reason Benjamin does not return. But this is so far from the will and purpose of God who was working out an awesome preservation of all 12 brothers and an expansion into a great people that will fill the earth.

What kind of pledges are we making to God? Are we offering God a plan that opposes His will? Have we offered to help prosper evil by slaying innocent brethren? How can life not mean anything to us that we can offer to destroy one to appease for the loss of another? At the root of this horrible promise are the suspicions and bitterness that has poisoned the family. Reuben is responding to an unspoken belief that Benjamin will not be protected by his brothers. Jacob has come to the conclusion that somehow the brothers who hated Joseph have some hand in some way in his death and Benjamin may fall in a similar situation.

In Jacob’s heart, he accuses his ten sons … day and night for the death of Joseph. But again Jacob is unaware of God’s master plans that are walking according to schedule. If he did, he would not waste his emotions in regret, unspoken accusations and pitiful statements. If only we know God at work … we will not engage in wasteful emotions such as unforgiveness. Jacob has not forgiven his sons even though he is uncertain of their crime. Jacob has suffered much and Reuben knows it. Hence he makes a desperate offer that was vain and unrequired. Are you engaging in emotions that waste our lives such as unforgiveness, suspicion, fear, accusation and envy? Or enjoying the knowledge that you have a shelter in the worst storms.

Song.

The Lord is our Rock, in Him we hide,

A shelter in the time of storm;

Secure whatever ill betide,

A shelter in the time of storm.

Refrain:

Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,

A weary land, a weary land;

Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,

A shelter in the time of storm.

A shade by day, defense by night,

A shelter in the time of storm;

No fears alarm, no foes affright,

A shelter in the time of storm.

The raging storms may round us beat,

A shelter in the time of storm;

We’ll never leave our safe retreat,

A shelter in the time of storm.

Prayer: O Lord, Be my shelter when my emotions are attacked and I find it hard not to fear or to release wrong thoughts. 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 

Rash Promises

Gen 42:37 And Reuben spake unto his father, saying, Slay my two sons, if I bring him not to thee: deliver him into my hand, and I will bring him to thee again.

Reuben makes rash promises ignorant of what God has already done. It does not occur to them to simply trust their God. The family had descended into a sort of godlessness that arises when things are bitter and hard. Jacob does not say God will bring Benjamin back, nor does any consult God for direction. But God is merciful and remembers His promises even when men forget theirs. Indeed how many times do men abandon a God that still remains there with them – helping them in spite of their rash words.

To offer the life of two sons as a surety is again unnecessary. God is our surety – for indeed only He can be so. The Bible does not ask us for strange offerings, nor is there any other sacrifice required for our sins. They have been paid in full, if only we will confess them to Him and accept His forgiveness. Failure to confess to God pulls us into various activities and promises which no one has required from us.

What sin are you hiding? One of the fruits of deception to others is a harvest of self-deception. The family of Jacob was reaping a downpour of exactly what they had sown. Perhaps as a family, a vigil of joint repentance crying out to God and to each other to seek forgiveness which is already waiting to be offered … would do far more good than promising to climb the Mount Everest for God.

Reuben has no power to do that which he advocates. The absence of God is to live without power. The absence of God is to dwell in foolishness. The absence of God is to speak empty things. When will you remember to return to Him, O prodigal son. Still, the mercy of God appears again as an inexhaustibly vast supply from which the family of Jacob continues to draw from. The mercy of God is truly amazing. Soon the days of fears and tensions will be over.

Mat 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

Jas 5:12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by Heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

Song.

I have no power of my own

I have no power of my own

Holy Spirit; I look up to you – Help me

I have no power of my own.

Prayer: O Lord, you are my refuge when I do not know what to do. I will be still and know that you are God. Help 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 Shadow of Lies

Gen 42:36 And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me.

The facts are too compelling. There seems to be no hope. It is over. But watch your tongue. The power of life and death lies therein. Jacob concludes before his children in an expression of great despair. His sorrow is so deep … all hope is lost. The tongue of Jacob releases a wrong conclusion.

Jacob has not forgotten Joseph. How could he? He sums up the entire story of his life as a catalogue of losses. He wonders at God for rewarding Him with such pain. He recalls the manipulations he engineered in his own past. He focuses on Himself and again wrongly concludes this is all a reaping for his own wicked acts. Indeed, we reap what we sow, but we do not serve a wicked God. His ways are mysterious and past finding out in many ways. Jacob now projects the loss of Benjamin.

Enough of Jacob. How about you? What have you been told? What have you concluded? Have you decided that all is against you and useless … your life is a waste. Your ministry is not worth a dime? It is best to die … the devil offers you a rope. But wait, which company are you in? You are in the company of men and women like David, Naomi, Daniel, John the Baptist, the Apostle Paul … God’s special generals. Did the Lord Jesus Christ Himself not see the facts and say “My God … my God why hast thou forsaken me?” … Facts are powerful but can be very deceiving. This is why the devil works well with the facts and will do everything to hide the Bible and its truths from all who permit him to do so.

It is pointless to examine the facts sometimes. They will only point to a terrifying future. My friend, be encouraged to know that in all these situations before us – the facts were soon proven to be untrue. This would have been a good time perhaps for Jacob to find some relief in his sons’ admissions that Joseph was sold to slavery and may still be alive somewhere. But as the flesh cannot and is unable to agree with the Spirit so will facts remain in opposition to truth until God chooses Himself to work out His truth in the situation. There is no comfort for Jacob but His God. He learns at times like this to just wait. For the impatient, hasty Jacob, used to having his way – this is a great learning point. Joseph lives … if only Jacob knew … Jesus lives, if only you know the full implication of this. Jacob is in the shadows of lies. You need not be there.

Song.

Because He lives I can face tomorrow

Because He lives … all fear is gone

Because I know He holds the future; And life is worth the living, just

Because He lives.

Prayer: O Lord, The empty grave proves you are alive. I chose to trust the work that you have done in your resurrection power. Call and help me come up above the shadow of wicked facts. 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 

No more Bereaved

Gen 42:36 And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me.

We often conclude that all our dreams have one by one been dashed. We are bereaved and despondent and will conclude there is a plot against us. What else could we possibly believe? Jacob is under a shadow but it is a shadow of lies.

Be no more bereaved. The helper of the helpless is in control. All your God given dreams are perfectly intact none can die or be buried … rather they are hidden in the hands of the one who gives dreams and makes them come true. The guilt of the misdeeds also floods the mind of Jacob. Dear saint, God has not stored up your sins in a bottle to later afflict you. Be no more bereaved … Joseph, Simeon and Benjamin are safe but only in the hands of God. Your dreams are not safe in your care … they must be released to God.

Be not bereaved that which has been released to God cannot be lost. Never!!!

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!

Prayer: O Lord, keep everything that pertains to us, our homes and our families – Keep them all safe. 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 

Facts are not Truth

Gen 42:29 And they came unto Jacob their father unto the land of Canaan, and told him all that befell unto them; saying, 30 The man, who is the lord of the land, spake roughly to us, and took us for spies of the country. 31 And we said unto him, We are true men; we are no spies: 32 We be twelve brethren, sons of our father; one is not, and the youngest is this day with our father in the land of Canaan. 33 And the man, the lord of the country, said unto us, Hereby shall I know that ye are true men; leave one of your brethren here with me, and take food for the famine of your households, and be gone: 34 And bring your youngest brother unto me: then shall I know that ye are no spies, but that ye are true men: so will I deliver you your brother, and ye shall traffick in the land. 35 And it came to pass as they emptied their sacks, that, behold, every man’s bundle of money was in his sack: and when both they and their father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid.

A preacher once explained to me the difference between truth and facts. Facts are an accurate narration of what happened from the record of the perspective of the recorder. Truth is the complete picture of reality. Christ says He is the Truth. We deal often only with facts. All that was relayed to Jacob are the facts of the trip to Egypt, but only from the perspective of the brothers of Joseph. The truth is far from the facts in this situation and indeed in many cases. The brothers do not lie this time, neither do they exaggerate … but facts are easy to twist and history has suffered much in the hands of the humanity of its authors. Jesus Christ says … He is the same, yesterday, today and forever. The Rock of Ages. Unchangeable, immutable, faithful and ever true.

I do not deny the facts of the situation before you nor do I controvert the evidence you are faced with. I agree you have been given a report – but factual as it may be … it is very untrue. Whose report will you believe? The word of God – the truth that remains forever or a situation report that will be updated tomorrow. The facts are not useless, nor are we to shun ourselves from the news … but we need to hear the truth – the word of God constantly to interpret the facts and not base all we know and feel on a temporal scenario.

Be strong – even though the facts are flooded with the fears of the brethren. The truth remains firmly unchanged even though we do not seem to discern it. The report of Jacob’s sons were far from the truth. Find the truth today in the word of God. His report speaks of healing, restoration and another chance.

Song.

It is not meet for Saints to fear, Nor for them to despair

For when they least expect His help; The Savior will appear.

When Abraham took up his knife, God’s voice said to him ” stop”

The yonder ram caught by the horn shall substitute thy son.

With such great might and love as this – abounding in His word;

I pray to bring my anxious cares and leave them all to Him.

Lift up your eyes and wait His help – it may be long but wait;

Though the promise may tarry long, It shall soon come to pass.

Prayer: O Lord, Lord help my unbelief. 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 

Fear Not

Gen 42:28 And he said unto his brethren, My money is restored; and, lo, it is even in my sack: and their heart failed them, and they were afraid, saying one to another, What is this that God hath done unto us?

The deeds of an awesome God in our lives can be fearsome. Realizing we are all within easy reach of a powerful God who does not leave things to run neutral to His control. On the contrary, God is the driver in full control of events. Even when He works to our favor, we still have fears – for our conscience knows we are not so true before Him. We wonder … how is it that we are still alive? Why has God permitted certain evils to continue if He can stop what He wills. Why are many innocent afflicted with ills, hunger, abuse and disease … if God is not distant to us? These are good questions and I have no answers as I am not God … neither are you. Is it not sufficient to know that He is a God whose mercy endures forever. Why must I question His grace if He has given me one more opportunity to get right. One day in eternity, none will be able to question His administration of justice …

Many scriptures tell us “fear not” when our hearts fail us. The source of fear is our wrong doing. Why then do we not depart from evil. The evil doer that persists in wickedness should be afraid as he has chosen a path that leads certainly into a dark spiral down into hell. But God deals with the brothers of Joseph in mercy. His word says He will have mercy on whosoever He wills.

There is someone reading this devotional. You know what you truly deserve and how evil your ways have been. But God is calling you to return to Him still. Like the prodigal son, you expect to be harshly treated and punished for your ways. True you deserve punishment but the sufferings of Christ are enough to more than cover for you. That is if you surrender to Him and ask Him to take over your life. He will banish all your fears.

But if you do not. Even the days of mercy for you will continue to be days of fear – for even you suspect that there is the Most High God – and He is a righteous judge and He will give you what you deserve in the end. Exchange your life of tensions for a time of rest, forgiveness and peace in Christ. Fear not.

Song.

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

It is well … with my soul.

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Prayer: O Lord, may your presence calm all the fears in my soul. 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 Pleasant Surprise

Gen 42:27 And as one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the inn, he espied his money; for, behold, it was in his sack’s mouth

Our days are filled with long journeys and we all can do with some refreshing. On the way back, they find an inn. Can you catch a sense of the situation. I see someone exhausted reading this short page. You are in a process filled with burdens and fears, uncertain about so many things. You are beginning to be short of funds as you are spending your very last in a tough season. You are uncertain that you will be replenished and cannot think of where your help will come from. God has not deserted you. You see a nice inn far away. You can catch a rest, but you wonder how you will pay for a meal and a good rest … Indeed it is a lovely restaurant, and there is a lovely menu. Also the garage will tune up your car and fix some leaks … overheating. But how will you pay for the oil change you need. You stop at the resort and walk to the reception … and bring out your purse only to find all the money you started with intact. You had spent the money to purchase the supplies you needed. How come the money is back in your purse? Strange parable.

It is enough to simply enjoy and not cross examine the providence of God. A couple once gave a testimony of a meal in very difficult times, but as they ate God told them not to look into the bowl, only to discover that they ate to their fill from what they thought was barely enough. Have we not read of how Elijah was provided for by the widow with barely nothing. God can work with zero. He can replenish from His secret storage. The brothers are pleasantly surprised – at least one problem is solved … and they enjoy a good meal and the ass is well taken care of. The same God that surprised you yesterday has not finished with you. Trust Him. Expect a pleasant surprise today.

Song.

I have made you too small in my eyes ; Oh Lord, forgive me,

And I have believed in a lie, that you were unable to help me,

But thou Oh Lord I see my wrong, Heal my heart and show yourself strong.

And in my heart and in my song – Oh Lord be magnified 2ce,

Be magnified Oh Lord; You are highly exalted

And there is nothing you can’t do.

Oh Lord my eyes are on you

Be magnified Oh Lord Be magnified.

Prayer: O Lord, Be magnified in all my situations today. 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 Great Restorer

Gen 42:25 Then Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with corn, and to restore every man’s money into his sack, and to give them provision for the way: and thus did he unto them. 26 And they laded their asses with the corn, and departed thence.

God is the Great Restorer. His very nature is to restore. Observe even in nature. Every damage seems to self-repair. Barren hills are soon covered with lilies, damaged body cells seem to instinctively work to repair themselves. It seems God has put in all His creation, the nature to restore damage. Look at the oceans and the rivers, can they ever run dry or be reduced in their capacities? Perhaps in unusual circumstances they can … but the resources of God can never be reduced. That is why God is not competitive – He has no need to be. He has no needs and His assets can never be reduced or increased. His nature is to pour out from an inexhaustible storage.

One moment, Simeon was being bound and in another Joseph was commanding restoration of funds and as much corn as they could possibly carry. I want to encourage the reader of this devotional. God will surprise you with His restoration. You are weighed down by losses and lack … soon you will taste restoration and plenty. There are many scriptures that tell us of the abundance that is in God. He can never be in debt to anyone. We can never out give Him who sustains our hands.

The brothers leave Egypt uncertain of what to make of their experience. They think they have no more funds and fear the shock of the unpleasant news that Simeon has been held hostage. They are confused at the request to bring their youngest brother knowing this will not be granted by their still grieving father. They feel as if they are under a curse. How utterly unreliable are our feelings and perceptions. Feelings may be justified and the evidence may be contrary but the word of God is the only thing that is forever settled. Cling to the word of God as your constant truth in a world of diverse and changing traditions. Did He not promise in His word to supply all your needs according to His riches in glory … and not based on the economy; why are your eyes saddened at the market indices and the limited funds eroded daily by inflation, when you have resources that can never be touched by inflation. Instead rejoice, look up to Him, the Great Restorer. He is already at work, though you do not perceive it to be so.

Song.

He’s the Great Provider … the Great Provider … the Great Provider.

He will surely provide for me – The Great Provider.

He’s the Mighty Provider … the Mighty Provider … the Mighty Provider.

He will surely provide for me – The Mighty Provider.

He’s the Sure Provider … the Sure Provider … the Sure Provider.

He will surely provide for me – The Sure Provider.

.

Prayer: O Lord, Restore O Lord Restore. 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 

Commander-in-Chief

Gen 42:25 Then Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with corn, and to restore every man’s money into his sack, and to give them provision for the way: and thus did he unto them. 26 And they laded their asses with the corn, and departed thence.

Joseph issues a command and it is so. God does not need suggestions or advisors. He does not require to canvass for support or lobby for obedience. He is God. He decrees something and it is so. He knows that you must move forward and He commands your elevation. He knows you need preservation and so He commands your barns to be filled. Even in famine … Egyptians will begin to fill your sacks – because He has commanded it to be so. He is not an adviser … he commands.

By the same way He commands blessings, He commands with laws that must not be disputed. God issues commands and laws … and we are not being advised or urged … we are being commanded. Our God is Commander-in-Chief. This is why our problems can be stopped in an instant command … our restoration only needs a word from Him. Our prosperity awaits His commandments … our lifting up awaits His commandments. When He has said Yes … who can say No. When He decrees your deliverance … who can say it is not to be so. None dare.

Joseph commands that sacks to be filled with corn and it was done. For some reading, God is announcing an end to your hunger and giving commands for your deliverance and sustenance.

The Commander-in-Chief commands “Hold the fort – for I am coming”

Enjoy the video … Messiah Baba mi (Christ the Messiah, my father, my friend)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Song.

Ho, my comrades! see the signal

Waving in the sky!

Reinforcements now appearing,

Victory is nigh!

Hold the fort, for I am coming,

Jesus signals still;

Wave the answer back to Heaven,

By Thy grace we will.

See the mighty host advancing,

Satan leading on;

Mighty men around us falling,

Courage almost gone!

See the glorious banner waving!

Hear the trumpet blow!

In our Leader’s name we’ll triumph

Over ev’ry foe!

Fierce and long the battle rages,

But our help is near:

Onward comes our great Commander,

Cheer, my comrades, cheer!

Prayer: O Great Commander and Lord, give your army grace to bow to all your commands. 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 

Joseph weeps

Gen 42:24 And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes.

The Bible speaks of a time when all the tears of the saints will be wiped away. There are many categories of tears and different sources of pain. There are also tears of overwhelming joy. May we cry for joy someday. Joseph cannot bear that He must cause such pain and such discomfort to his brother Simeon and looks away for a season. God also looked away as Christ was subjected to the most cruel death man could devise for His only begotten son. How true it is that blood relations have strong feelings for each other.

What are your feelings concerning other brethren? Are you pained at their wanderings which God permits. Do we sorrow for souls still enjoying sin, knowing many are chosen by God for salvation. Or do we weep only for ourselves and our perceived losses. The love of God that is in us separates us with a compassion for the lost and for other brethren … a compassion that has caused many to abandon great treasures and take great risks … crossing vast oceans to strange lands.

The Christian is not always happy … but the root of his tears are unique and peculiar. Most importantly, his tears are all destined to be wiped away. Not so for the lost soul. He may never have cause to cry in his wickedness, but he will weep bitterly at the non-negotiable prospect of admission into eternal damnation. His cynical and wicked grins will all be wiped off his face forever.

All weep. The question is what for and when? How will it be in your case? When will you weep?

Song.

Though with a scornful wonder, men see her sore oppressed

By schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed,

Yet saints their watch a keeping, their cry goes up “how long?”,

And soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song.

‘Mid toil and tribulation, And tumult of her war,

She wait the consummation of peace for evermore

Till with the vision glorious … her longing eyes are blest,

And the Great Church victorious … shall be the Church at rest.

Prayer: O Lord, Comfort 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