Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 67

Days of Trouble

Gen 41:54 And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.

There are appointed days of trouble. May those days be few. The Bible speaks of the afflictions of the righteous, and that God delivers from them all. The righteous are like those in this world but in Christ. They do not lack any good thing. Just as in all the land there was dearth, those in Egypt – where Joseph was – could get bread not from the fields but from the barns and warehouses. Note that the famine came to all, just as afflictions come to all, but the difference arises from the presence and preparations made by Joseph and those who benefit.

The lesson here is to hold on to Christ and be surrendered to His rule. When the appointed days of trouble come, there will be a deliverance and sustenance from the hunger that kills. Again, we observe another lesson. God may not exempt saints from certain serious trials but the work of the Holy Spirit is a divine comfort that preserves us miraculously. We come through the same situations that completely destroys others.

In the seven year period of the tribulation described in the word of God, we know the saints will not be on earth, because the restrainer of evil – the Holy Spirit – will also be removed. In the Heavens, the saints are with their “Joseph”. If you have Jesus as your Lord, then you can be assured that in whatever trouble you will have Christ for your comfort and His comfort will be enough.

This verse tells us that the dearth started gradually until it became fully evident. Today, you may have already started observing a dearth in the word of God. Gradually, the true word is gradually becoming scarce as the knowledge and vices of men are increasing in all dimensions. The message is now mixed with philosophies and motivational teachings … and I do pray that you will hold on to Jesus to survive the dilution in teachings and the approaching famine of the word.

But there is also a revival of the word, when we discover the reserved barns of Christ to take His own through the difficult seasons. In whatever situation, just look up to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Be encouraged that you will not sink. Christ holds your hands. Feed on His word. Open your Bible and begin to read with a fresh hunger and zeal.

Song.

Art thou weary, art thou languid,

Art thou sore distressed?

Come to Me, saith one, and coming,

Be at rest.

Prayer: O Lord Jesus, In appointed days of trouble, call me to you where I will come to be at rest, even amidst the ragings. 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 End of Plenty

Gen 41:53 And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.

In the end, the saints have the last laugh. God saves the best for the saints for the last days. The glory that is ahead cannot be described. Those in Christ Jesus find a supply that others never discover. After the rapture, when saints are taken away, there will be another seven years. Mid-tribulationists say the rapture will be in the middle of a seven year period. Whatever men have called a boom will not last forever.

You do well to read about this seven year period in the Bible, but suffice it to say that those not in Christ that have not been able to retain their sanctification by His grace will be ushered into a period of trouble. The bliss and joys of modernity, the luxuries – high technology and delicious living of those who shun God will reach its peak, even as the Bible says the wickedness of the world increases. Then the saints will be taken to be with their Christ – their “Joseph” as a period of tribulation begins. The Bible refers to the Holy Spirit as the restrainer who has been restraining evil. He is now withdrawn.

I asked myself how Joseph would be perceived in the time of plenty. I suspect many will disbelieve him. I expect that some of his advice to gather would be considered unnecessary. I imagine his admonition to be frugal in a time of unbridled excesses would be termed as overly strict. The seven years of plenty would have been like the times of Noah before the flood …. few will consider Noah to be in good mental health. Similarly many will wonder what this “crazy” Joseph is gathering and storing things for when there is so much … that we cannot number.

In a similar fashion, many wonder in the last days at the sense of being a Christian. Why be lumbered with so many restrictions, why do you need to store so much word in your spirit when scientific advancement has progressed so amazingly forward. Why the tithing, when so many apparently “self-made” billionaires boost that there is no God and teach that the Christian world view is ridiculous and unnecessary. In the last days, the plenty and wealth of nations will mock the teachings and warnings of God.

Joseph was not dancing and enjoying in the time of plenty, rather he was working hard for a future period. Similarly, be diligent in storing the word of God in your heart. It will keep you apart and help you to be prepared for the coming of the Heavenly Bridegroom. Be sure that God has already appointed an end to all the world has called “mighty, pleasing and great” … do not set your eyes on them and resist their seductions.

Song.

“Called unto holiness” Church of our God,

Purchase of Jesus, redeemed by His blood,

Called from the world and its idols to flee,

Called from the bondage of sin to be free.

Prayer: O Lord, Open my eyes to see the varying and temporal nature of worldly gains. Give me Christ that I may have that which lasts forever. 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 

Knowing God

Gen 41:53 And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.

Times can be very deceptive. Egypt enters a seven year period of boom but Joseph knew it will not last … others did not. Many thought Joseph was a joker who would soon be exposed if the period of boom continued. Change is inevitable … but how prepared are we for it? Our preparation depends on the accuracy of understanding of the times and this accuracy depends on if we are connected to divine intelligence. When we know God, we know truths that others cannot always discern. Joseph was thinking of the coming famine … others were rejoicing and dancing and seeking to consume as much as they could. Find time to seek God and to know Him. Let Him reveal His plans, seasons and timings to you. Learn to see beyond the evidence and to act not just on plain evidence but more on divine insight. God speaks to us individually on issues and He may reveal things others are unfamiliar with. We can have completely different perspectives because we know God resulting in preparations that are equally different. Jesus could look at the Temple in all its glory and see that it would be in ruins in a few years … God helps us to see not as ordinary men do.  He gives us supernatural insights to aid our preparations.

Mat 24:2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

In the text, there are seven years of great increase – but these times were about to change. Joseph knew only because he had access to the God who knows all things. Ask God to help you see what He wants you to see to achieve your destiny. In summary, those who know their God are strong and do exploits because they perceive and act on truths hidden to others.

Song.

Elijah made a sacrifice

To offer to Jehovah;

It had been wet with water thrice,

Baal’s sacrifice was over.

Elijah prayed: the fire came down

And licked the water all around;

So doubting ones believed, and found

Elijah’s God was living.

Elijah’s God still lives today,

To take the guilt of sin away;

And when I pray my heart’s desire,

Upon my soul He sends the fire.

Elijah’s God still lives today,

And answers still by fire;

My friend, just let Him have His way;

He’ll grant your heart’s desire,

Consume the sacrifice you make;

And bid your slumb’ring soul awake;

The chain of inbred sin will break;

Elijah’s God is living.

Prayer: O Lord of Elijah – I thirst to know you more … fill my thirst. 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 

All-round Fruitfulness

Gen 41:50 And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him. 51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house. 52 And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.

The names given to the children of Joseph reflect the blessings he enjoyed. Joseph was fruitful and in the years before the famine he had two sons. God is a God of all round fruitfulness. He causes you to be fruitful in the body as well as on the field. When He shuts there is none who can open and when He opens, there is none who can shut. As you read, by His grace you will receive new grace and new mercy for all-round fruitfulness.

God can change things but not just that. A glorious new chapter unfolds. God causes fresh events to bring so much comfort that you forget completely the agony of the past. This means the scars and the visible consequences of past toil will have disappeared. It means God can so solve your problems that you do not remember that they ever existed. Again, this can only be God in action – because memories tend to be strong especially when past events inflict pains. But when God says it is over, He causes us to also forget and overflow in His joy.

Another thing God does is to make us go through several locations in an afflicted state – only to cause us to return to those same places, but this time overwhelmingly fruitful. Egypt was the land of affliction ever since Joseph was brought in as a slave – and in that same place, where Joseph was meant to rot away, he becomes a celebrity and a man of great influence. Again this is a mystery, but the doing of a wonderful God.

As you read this devotional, observe the possibilities if only we trust God. Everywhere in which you broke down in tears – mark the locations, every scenario in which you considered situations tragically hopeless – note the places. In those very same places and situations, God is in action. He makes and He causes events to turnaround for your good. What a great God He is. He is a God of fruitfulness; He is a God of overwhelming mercy and turnaround. Bless His name this morning. Find someone in trouble to encourage with these words of truth. Glory be to God. God comforts like no man can.

Song.

He is able more than able to accomplish what concerns me today

He is able more than able to handle everything that comes my way

He is able, more than able to do much more than I could ever dream

He is able more than able to make me what he wants me to be.

Prayer: O Lord, You make and cause things to be only for good, even where it seems evil plans are thriving – Do likewise in my situations. 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 

It was God

Gen 41:50 And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him. 51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house. 52 And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.

The true mark of a man of God is the glory that goes to God. The focus of Joseph’s worship is apparent in the names he gives his children. It was God that did it all. Joseph declares the greatness of God and gives God all the glory. Note that Joseph does not ascribe any ill to God. Instead God brings good using whichever method pleases Him. God is faithful. Are you in any way afflicted? Then be assured that God can even cause fruitfulness out of that affliction and make us forget the hardest toils. God can bring us into an oasis of joy even in the most hostile and difficult circumstances. The faithfulness of God is so extensive, it has never been tested to know how far it can reach. God is in control. God is in charge. It was all God. When you have come to this conclusion, you can rest in all your travails and be at peace in the processes you must undergo, knowing in the end it will all be good. God has not abandoned His own and will not forsake you. You will begin to start every sentence with “For God did this … and for God did that …” This also means if not for God things could have been much worse. God is the architect of all that is worthy in our lives, we have no basis to boast. And all that needs improvement is our contribution.

This is why refusal to praise God as we should is a great injustice and a grievous wickedness. It was all God working a good end concerning your life . Praise Him again and again – even when the methods He uses are not always clear to us and we do not fully understand His appointed processes.

Song.

Now in a song of grateful praise To Thee,

O Lord, my voice I’ll raise;

With all Thy saints I’ll join to tell:

My Jesus hath done all things well.

And above the rest this note shall swell:

My Jesus hath done all things well.

How sov’reign, wonderful and free

Hath been Thy wond’rous love to me!

Thou sav’dst me from the jaws of hell:

My Jesus hath done all things well.

Since e’er my soul has known Thy love,

What mercies Thou hast made me prove:

Thy mercies do all praise excel;

My Jesus hath done all things well.

And when to that bright world I rise,

And join the anthems of the skies,

Above the rest this note shall swell:

My Jesus hath done all things well.

Prayer: O Lord, I praise You. You are indeed faithful … forever faithful. Help me to also be faithful in all I do. 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 

Rare Diligence

Genesis 41:46-49 And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. 47 And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls. 48 And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same. 49 And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number.

To store and gather enough reserve for seven years involves several things. The people must be prudent. Huge storage vessels and barns must be constructed and they must do the hard work of moving grains to storage facilities. All this in a period when it does not seem to make sense to do this. Critics of Joseph must have told him that the period of plenty must be enjoyed and that the grains stored will only be wasted as they will not be needed. Storing grain instead of consuming also keeps the price of grain high … all these are inconveniences that Joseph imposes. Joseph is also personally involved. No doubt, there must have been some delegation, but he had a hands-on approach. Joseph also ordered that the grain be measured until a time came when it could no more be. Joseph was a great leader not just because he was anointed, but because he was very diligent and hardworking. Not once do we read that he amassed any grain or sought any advantage for himself. He was content with what he had been given. Go ahead. Labor on, for it is the master’s will. Joseph exhibited a rare diligence. Be committed to do the same when God helps you to the next level.

Song.

Go, labor on; spend, and be spent,

Thy joy to do the Father’s will;

It is the way the Master went;

Should not the servant tread it still?

Go, labor on; ’tis not for naught;

Thy earthly loss is heav’nly gain;

Men heed thee, love thee, praise thee not,

The Master praises, what are men?

Go, labor on, while yet ’tis day;

The world’s dark night is hast’ning on;

Speed, speed thy work, cast sloth away;

It is not thus that souls are won.

Toil on, and in thy toil rejoice;

For toil comes rest, for exile home;

Soon shalt thou hear the Bridegroom’s voice,

The midnight peal, “Behold, I come!”

Prayer: O Lord, Help me to demonstrate a Pilgrim’s Work Ethic.

 

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 

Leadership Principles

Genesis 41:46-49 And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. 47 And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls. 48 And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same. 49 And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number.

Joseph was only thirty years but prepared by God. He is made ready to be God’s instrument for the Hebrews in a period of famine and to bring them into Egypt. He does not know this. He thinks he is Egypt’s new prince and rules with the fear of the God that made it all possible. I find some leadership lessons in this text.

Joseph went throughout all the land. He did not remain in the palace … he must have visited all the places in which he was hurt … releasing the pain and feeling no bitterness. He was a visible leader. He was seen and he was loved. It is good to lead by walking around and be seen even where you may have been mistreated. He went throughout suggests, he sought for a total picture so he could develop a plan that was fair to all. He was not an elite type – far from the common people. He identified with the populace. He had a common touch.

Joseph was involved and hard working. He covered not just the cities, but the fields on the outskirts of the cities. He believed in completeness. He was a thorough leader. He gathered not for himself but established an accounting … “he numbered” … he was diligent in accounting and did not permit theft, waste or sloth. The harvest was so much that it became pointless to count. Still Joseph knew he was called to lead not just for today but for the future. Leading for the future means having a long-term mindset. Seeing the harvest and the boom of today, high prices and favorable economics within a longer time-frame that recognizes that the future must also be safeguarded. A good leader will lead for the future as well as the present. Are you in a position of leadership? Are you visible? Have you walked sufficiently around the issues you are responsible for tackling or are you seen only by your friends? Are you comfortable with accounts and numbers? Do you lead only for the short to medium time-frame or can you lead seeing the future good safeguarded? What kind of leader are you?

Christ led by walking around. He did not hide even from the Pharisees … He was visible and involved. He was hardworking. He was in the cities and in small villages sometimes going off the expected course so His work will be completed in the sight of God. Christ was a man of the future. He healed many and solved present problems but He did not permit them to make Him a King and went to the cross, so that the future of all mankind would be preserved.

Song.

Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,

Pilgrim through this barren land.

I am weak, but Thou art mighty;

Hold me with Thy powerful hand.

Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven,

Feed me till I want no more;

Feed me till I want no more.

Prayer: O Lord, Guide me to lead as you want me to lead – as Christ led. 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 Family

Gen 41:45 And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.

The name Pharaoh gives to Joseph is said to mean, by some translators “the one who furnishes the nourishment of life,” i.e. the chief steward of the realm): Indeed a new birth implies a new name. But scripture only mentions this name once. It is Joseph that is retained in the Bible. Eventually a Pharaoh will come who will forget Zaphnathpaaneah, and the name will not be remembered – even in Egypt. Of equal significance is his marriage to the daughter of Potipherah, similar to Moses who was also married to a heathen priest’s daughter.

The Bible warns that we are not to be unequally yoked. Eventually, it is Judah that provides the seed and the lineage that produced the Messiah … preordained to be the Lion of Judah. Marrying the wrong spouse is of serious implications and selection of a bride is a matter to be handled only after seeking direction from the word of God. We do not know or always see the implications of this in our lifetime, but generations unborn may still be affected. The tribe of Ephraim the son of Joseph eventually joins himself to idols. We hear little of what became of the children of Moses. Still God remains faithful to His purposes and merciful to whom He chooses.

There is a marriage we can look forward to. The marriage of the Lamb. Christ joined with the church – a bride without the slightest speck or wrinkle. The ultimate promotion of the saints … the final call to come higher will be at the rapture, when we shall be caught up to be with Him … never to be apart. I pray you will be among when the church is caught as the bride. Just as the daughter of Potipherah is exalted in marriage to the one second to only Pharaoh, so will we be honored when we are caught up to be joined with Christ, later to return to reign with Him in the millennium and after be with Him forever.

God gives us a new family when we are born again. We have spiritual fathers and elders and we have brothers and sisters in the Lord. But God does not want us to forget our blood relatives who are still yet to be in the Lord. Like Joseph was raised for His family, perhaps God seeks to use you to bring your entire family to know the Lord. The Holy Spirit will make a way for God’s purpose to use you for your family. Soon, you will see them drawn to the Lord. Wait on God concerning this issue.

In this devotional, reflect on your marriage or plans for marriage, and pray that it glorifies God. Ask yourself … when the rapture happens will I be caught up to be honored for the ultimate marriage. Are there things to be done to make yourself ready? Do them today. Also thank God for the new spiritual family He has ordained for you … Thank Him for the salvation of your blood relatives.

Song.

Will you be ready when the Lord shall come (4ce)

I will be ready (3ce) when the Lord shall come. (2ce)

Prayer: Father, let my marriage be pleasing unto you and help my preparations for the rapture. 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 Standards of God

Gen 41:45 And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.

A wife from Pharaoh is not a good gift. A daughter of the priest of On would pollute the tribe that was to emerge. There is little in scripture to suggest that God resisted or even queried this action. But God seems to have permitted it. Moses also had a marriage outside the family of God. It is sadly true that if you do marry the daughter of the devil, he becomes your father-in-law and will seek such rights in your life. The influence of Asenath on Joseph is not quite known … but we do know that Joseph does not go the way of polygamy. The marriage seemed necessary to allay concerns in Egypt that this was a stranger. How we love to justify our shortcomings and wanderings. This is not the way to find a wife … for the Bible says be not unequally yoked. There are some exceptional situations that should not be received as patterns that please God.

God may not always impose His standard of obedience and may overlook ignorance and weaknesses in mercy – but He appreciates especially those who will keep completely His standard. See the Rechabites … and how God rewards their uncommon obedience on the issue of drinking wine.

Jer 35:5 And I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites pots full of wine, and cups, and I said unto them, Drink ye wine. 6 But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons for ever: … Jer 35:18 And Jeremiah said unto the house of the Rechabites, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Because ye have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts, and done according unto all that he hath commanded you: 19 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever.

God has His standards and waits to reward those who will keep to it and maintain it – no matter the situation. Not because they fear God will hurt or punish them but because they love God. The priesthood of On and Jehovah are not to be put together. Idolatry and syncretism will, in many future generations, become evident as weak points of the house of Joseph. May God help us and show us mercy. Do not permit past wrongs to hurt future generations.

God is not asking for your opinion. God is making a demand on your life. Stop pandering to the world! Be a militant soldier of Christ.

Song.

Holy are you Lord. All creation calls you Lord

Worthy is your name. We worship your majesty.

Awesome God. How great thou art. You are God

Mighty are your miracles …we stand in awe of your Holy Name

Lord, we bow and worship you.

Prayer: Father, Lord teach me your complete ways. Let me be truly set apart for you. 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 

Raised up to Rule

Genesis 41:40-44 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. 41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. 42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; 43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. 44 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.

Joseph was raised up to live henceforth in palatial grandeur, and made ruler over all Egypt. Indeed God is He who raises up from the dung hill to a throne. None is able to stop God when He determines an elevation … except you that God determines to elevate. May we not frustrate His grace.

Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

The Bible says when we were dead with no hope, just as Christ was raised up, we were quickened together with Christ by grace. But that is not all. We are raised up together with Christ and made to sit together in Heavenly places. He did this so that the world would see the exceeding riches of his grace towards us through Christ Jesus. Like Jesus we are spiritually in the nest of the eagle, above principalities and powers … high up. God did not raise us up because we were great Christians, He raised us up in His mercy when we were dead in sin. Joseph experiences a foretaste of this great wealth by the awesome grace of God. Soon his brothers will also be admitted into this great vault of mercy. The story of Joseph started with mercy on Rachael, continues with mercy and it is also God’s rich mercy that brings Him up to rule over all Egypt. We must commit all to the mercy of God, and release our efforts and projects to His mercy. God is rich in mercy, and no one has discovered the depth and limit of this great wealth. Learn to be merciful … show mercy not in trickles but let it pour like rushing waves in an inexhaustible ocean. But we also learn that mercy does not deny process. Joseph went through a long process and he grew and learnt progressively. He was not an overnight wonder. God’s mercy will not allow us to be thrust into what He has not prepared us for.

Respond to the call of Jesus to come out and be raised. Receive the mercy that destroys bondage and makes us rule over what used to rule and enslave us. Egypt supervised a prison system that kept Joseph incarcerated for years. Now Joseph rules over Egypt and over the prison. Joseph now has the authority to set prisoners free. The Revival is waiting for you to come up higher and walk in the freedom and power to rule in Christ and set neighborhoods free, peoples and nations free. Exercise that opportunity in the place of prayer. The poverty of prayer is the underestimation of mercy and ignorance of our positioning. Begin to rule. Start with yourself. Decree that every dark kingdom oppressing your life should release its hold now. Overturn every word spoken concerning your life that is contrary with God’s word. “Our ultimate position as Christians is tested by the power of our prayer life” Lloyd Jones. It is time to pray for revival and for men to rule over wicked addictions and spiritual slave masters.

Song.

Now free from sin, endue within; Give thy compassion – tears

Thou dost, my Lord, Emancipate; Restore my wasted years.

( Leonard Ravenhill)

Prayer: O Lord, you have raised me in power in Christ Jesus. Restore O Lord my wasted years.

 

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