Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 68

Acceptance

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.

After Joseph delivers interpretation, he is silent. Acceptance of Joseph’s solution is a different miracle … a different work of the Holy Spirit. Joseph does nothing more than to deliver the message of the Holy Spirit. But now Pharaoh acts quickly. He understands and accepts Joseph’s interpretation completely … he proceeds to honor Joseph and to decorate him with new apparel and jewelry. He gives him authority. Note the process. First Joseph is affirmed, then Joseph is decorated and honored and finally he is given a new level of authority. Joseph does not ask for these things. On the day of your acceptance, you will not clamor … nor will you push. There will be no strife or tension or competition. Observe that God has preset this date of acceptance and honor for Joseph. With God all things are possible. When the time of destiny approaches, the strong evidence will be the presence of the Holy Spirit as the helper. You will be easily accepted, affirmed, decorated, honored and ushered into a new level of spiritual authority. When that time comes, all will forget that you were in prison, nor will they be interested in what happened at Potiphar’s house … the past will be irrelevant. Joseph was not probed on his history. He was simply accepted to enter a role that was destined for him. Even Pharaoh could see that it was God who had preserved a role for Joseph in Egypt. God will today cause His wisdom in your lips to find acceptance amongst men. You will be brought before Kings. Be gone unbelief. It shall be so. Amen

Song.

Begone, unbelief; my Savior is near

And for my relief will surely appear;

By prayer let me wrestle, and He will perform;

With Christ in the vessel, I smile at the storm.

Though dark be my way, since He is my guide,

‘Tis mine to obey, ’tis His to provide;

Though cisterns be broken, and creatures all fail,

The word He has spoken shall surely prevail.

Determined to save, He watched o’er my path,

When, Satan’s blind slave, I sported with death;

And can He have taught me to trust in His name,

And thus far have brought me to put me to shame?

Why should I complain of want or distress,

Temptation or pain? He told me no less;

The heirs of salvation, I know from His Word,

Through much tribulation must follow their Lord.

Prayer: O Lord, help me … let your Spirit be always with me in the day of my acceptance. 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 Spirit of God

Genesis 41:38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

At the time of Joseph, the Spirit of God dwelt in man, on a more selective and strict basis for the purpose of God … but the Prophet Joel spoke of a time coming ….

Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

Is it not interesting after the Spirit of God is mentioned in the creation in Genesis with God the Father and the Son, the next mention of the Holy Spirit is in this awesome revelation that completely transforms the nations -preserving millions from death by hunger? This tells me that the Holy Spirit which is promised to all who are in Christ is the doer and enabler of great exploits. But since you claim you have the Spirit – yet it seems nothing noteworthy has been done by His hand. The Holy Spirit comes to fulfil God’s agenda. The Spirit controls and rules the vessel yielded to Him. Still, He is a sweet, gentle Spirit that will not strive, is easy to grieve and is full of patience and kindness that can only have divine origin. The Spirit is the Spirit of Peace that gives answers of peace.

Powerful testimonies of the works of God will come from those who do not have the Spirit but cannot but recognize the difference it makes. Pharaoh was the first mortal man clearly identified as recognizing the Spirit of God in mortal men. Joseph was the one who carried that Spirit in Him. As you ponder over this text, consider what Spirit reigns in you. Indeed there is the evidence of tongues, but what of the evidence of the testimony by those who are close to you. Your wife, your children, your colleagues, your employees and others that observe you will be better able to tell you “Can they find someone as this is”.

If your ways are crafty and slippery and your actions devour peace and spread strife, let this be sufficient evidence that you are yet to meet with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a transforming Spirit that changes everything … making you unrecognizable even by your kin who knew the old you. Old things pass away only because the Holy Spirit achieves this for us.

Do you know Pharaoh ( a great King) had to wait for Joseph ( a former prisoner)to hear from God. If Joseph was not ready to answer the king, he would simply have to wait until the Spirit speaks … nothing will change until Joseph has given the illumination we all need. The whole of creation is waiting for you – for the revealing of what you carry. Your nation, your chosen area of influence is waiting … the revival is waiting for the manifestation of the Holy Spirit through you.

Song.

Come Holy Spirit. Come and take control

Come Holy Spirit. Save the sin sick soul.

Come Holy Spirit. Banish fear and shame

By the blood of Jesus. Victory Proclaim

Prayer: Holy Spirit. Come and be in full control of my life. 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 

What is in You?

Gen 41:38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

Gen 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

In Genesis, the earth was without void … in confusion. But God desired to have a new beginning. The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit began to move. The Holy Spirit moves and the stage is set for creation. There are many theories on change and what to do to have change but few remember the vital role of the Holy Spirit. We tend to focus on new ideas, new events or the introduction of new champions. Indeed all these factors may help change, but they are not the prime movers of change.

The Church was born in the new Testament only after Pentecost. Pharaoh identifies the Spirit of God but that does not mean he walks with the Spirit. In summary there are three lessons. One, the Holy Spirit of God is the person that propels all important change in God’s agenda. Second, we may be able to identify the work of the Holy Spirit without any personal experience of it … there is no work of transformation in our own lives … yet we can appreciate the things of God … this can lead to self-deception. Third, the Holy Spirit in Genesis is able to work with nothing. Be encouraged, if you have nothing but still see great things. Be encouraged though things are all in confusion – yet you discern God is moving in your life. The contradiction of formlessness and the presence of the God of all creation is explained by the truth that a new reality is about to be birthed. This new birth is not dependent on anything man can make or do … but it is formed out of what we see as nothing. Come Holy Spirit … I need you. You can ask yourself? Is the Spirit of God dwelling in me? Pray for this indwelling. Perhaps you are too full of your plans and already formed.  The Holy Spirit needs a void without form to fill.

Song.

Thy Holy Spirit, Lord, alone

Can turn our hearts from sin;

His pow’r alone can sanctify

And keep us pure within.

O Spirit of Faith and Love,

Come in our midst, we pray,

And purify each waiting heart;

Baptize us with pow’r today.

Thy Holy Spirit, Lord, alone

Can deeper love inspire;

His pow’r alone within our souls

Can light the sacred fire.

Thy Holy Spirit, Lord, can bring

The gifts we seek in prayer,

His voice can words of comfort speak

And still each wave of care.

Prayer: Holy Spirit. Come to author the change that my destiny may be fulfilled. 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 

God the Great Provider

Gen 41:26 The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one. 27 And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine. 28 This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh. 29 Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt: 30 And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land; 31 And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous. 32 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. 33 Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years. 35 And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities. 36 And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine. 37 And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.

Joseph hears God and finally gives the solution of God. God does things that no man could possibly do. The prophecies are easy to debunk as all can recognize abundant harvest when it manifests. Also, the years of famine will be equally unmistakable. Egypt will be preserved from a drought that wipes out all memory of good years. As you read this devotional, do remember God in the years of plenty, for God also appoints periods during which we are sustained by the investments in past giving, worship and honor to Him. In this text, God also establishes the principle of saving for the future and frugal living even in plenty. Today economists all know that there will always be cycles and countries maintain reserves against the day of famine. Families will now set up trusts to cater for children yet unborn. This is wisdom.

What about the bread of life? What do you have in reserve for the unexpected dry periods when you are unable to study and you seem to have been planted in a spiritual desert. Do you know the times of weeks and months of Bible study and meditation which appear needless are in storage for periods when the word needs to answer to sudden unexpected scenarios. Do not miss any opportunity and grace to study the word and store His admonitions and thoughts in your heart.

Mal 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of Heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

It is sad these days that many will say the tithe is no more required and God is hard to ask us to make do with only 90%. One day you may have to ask which is better … to have 90% of something or be left one day with 100% of nothing. In the economy we will never lack, but God asks us to trust Him by storing a tenth with Him. Some say, this is Old Testament, that God does not call for our tithe. Many now ridicule the principle of bringing to God’s storehouses … claiming God has no storehouses on earth. But He did in the time of the Israelites and He is the same God. Tithing is scriptural . There are blessings in the Old Testament of the Bible that we still claim today … we cannot throw away tithing because it was in the Old Testament.

Song.

He’s the Great Provider 4ce. He will surely provide for me, He will provide for me.

Prayer: O Lord, teach me to lean on your word for every provision I may need.

 

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 

Higher Ground

Gen 41:22 And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good: 23 And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them: 24 And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me. 25 And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do.

The location of Joseph has changed again. He started in the tents of his father and Hebrew fields, then the pit and then moved to Egypt, the house of Potiphar and then prison, then the two full years in the dungeon and now the palace. Joseph has interpreted dreams before but in bondage, clothed in prison clothes and unshaven. At this stage, we also know Joseph is still self-focused as he seeks the butler to make a case for him. But in the palace, Joseph has gone higher. The way is clear, the chains and guards of the prison are gone, the prison clothes are removed, he is cleaned and well shaved. He does not call himself nor does he make any case for himself. He constantly declares, it is the work of God and God who needs no sponsor or aids has shown Pharaoh what He will do.

Someone reading this devotional has been called by the highest powers to come up.  Come higher first spiritually … and then in all aspects. No one can delay or obstruct you, when He that created Pharaoh calls you up. Every garment of sorrow has been replaced with joy and a glowing glory. You are completely God focused on higher ground.

The first interpretation in prison is to the butler and ends with Joseph appealing to be remembered and then two years of nothing. But now, this interpretation is in a place of freedom, joy and glory – there is not the slightest marketing of self in the palace for it is already unnecessary. The same God that has elected to favor you to bring you thus far to use you as His instrument of peace – will that God now desert you?

As Joseph lifted up his God in the palace of Pharaoh, lift up Jesus and see Him draw not just all your lost kin in bondage of sin and shame, but indeed all men unto Him.

Song.

Oh! the world is hungry for the living bread, Lift the Savior up for them to see;

Trust Him and do not doubt the words that He said.” I’ll draw all men all men unto Me.”

Lift the precious Jesus up, Still He speaks from eternity:

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, Will draw all men unto Me”

Prayer: Lord, may your presence be taken to all the great palaces of the world and even from there draw men from all over the world to 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 

Seed and Harvest

Gen 41:22 And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good: 23 And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them: 24 And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me. 25 And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do.

Understanding the processes and journey of your life is more important than dwelling on the events. There are so many that start well … like the full and good ears. But when we rejoice in our current experience we miss the importance of the process. Are we on a process that ends well? The dream speaks of another seven ears that are not so good but they devour the good ones. There are many seeds we have sown … but these also will produce different harvests. In this dream, the bad harvest comes later to devour the good ones. I am not reinterpreting the dream that has already been interpreted, but to bring out another lesson. We must watch the seeds that we sow … and be careful of evil seeds that others have sown. There are times when we experience good and think those bad seeds will not germinate. But they are only taking longer to produce their own harvest so that they can destroy the good fruit. This is a good day to say no more evil seeds i.e. wrong actions and decisions. Every seed that is not goodly according to the word of God is not good. Ask for grace. Some evil seeds germinate generations after while some produce fruit immediately. The wrong act of Sarah to introduce Hagar to Abraham to produce Ishmael is still producing its own harvest today.

Mat 15:13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my Heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

I pray the above shall be answered in your situation. Every evil seed must be uprooted … and not permitted to produce its devouring harvest … by the power of the Holy Ghost. O Lord, help our future decisions. A good seed is to sow the gospel of Christ. God will not permit evil harvest to destroy present good. Ask Him who sets lawful captives free – for mercy. Remember, watch your seed going forward.

Song.

Blessed is the service of our Lord and King,

Precious are the jewels we may help to bring;

Down the passing ages words of counsel ring:

He that winneth souls is wise.

He that winneth souls is wise;

In the home beyond the skies,

There’s a crown of glory,

O the wondrous prize! He that winneth souls is wise.

In the quiet homelife, showing love’s bright ray,

More and more like Jesus living ev’ry day,

We may guide a dear one to the heav’nward way:

He that winneth souls is wise.

Sow beside all waters, sow the gospel seed,

Here a word in season, there a loving deed;

Sinners to the Savior be it ours to lead:

He that winneth souls is wise.

Prayer: Lord, in your great power and mercy, destroy every evil plant that you do not plant that they may not produce a harvest of destruction in my life. 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 

An Answer of Peace

Gen 41:15 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. 16 And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

Joseph is before the most powerful of monarchs. He is obviously disarmed by the grandeur of the expensive marble and pillars laid on precious stones – a far cry from the dungeon walls … but Joseph is careful. He is not carried away. Pharaoh begins with flattery to name Joseph as a great interpreter who knows what all do not. Joseph quickly denies this appellation. He says it is not in me. There is someone else … God.

Joseph gives glory to God and ascribes all the greatness to Him. He sees Pharaoh in his great riches and royal apparel, yet he can ascribe all greatness to the King of kings. Joseph knows he is as useless or even worse than all the magicians if God is not merciful to reveal the hidden things.

When did you last tell someone you need to pray concerning an issue to hear God before your decision or before you can respond. Are you trusting your intelligence or the God who is omniscient? Joseph is also a man of peace. He emphasizes peace introducing the truth that only those who follow after peace walk with God. Jesus is the Prince of Peace who gives an answer of peace.

God will not give an incomplete answer that causes more anxiety. Even if God speaks in His wrath, it is for a moment. Behind a rough chastening mask, God hides His countenance of love and true peace. There are strange voices that give different answers … saying there is peace when there is no peace. But God speaks peace to our storms. He speaks peace to our guilt. He speaks peace to our troubles. He speaks peace to our burdens. He knows that the common denominator of all pleas to Him is the need for peace and calm in our spirit. Receive His answer of peace as you reflect on this devotional. Be an instrument of His peace to a world in need of peace. Lord help us to give counsel of peace.

What kind of counsel do you give? Oftentimes the peace element that assuages the tossing waves assures us … when we need to test if the voice we discern is of God. God will give all your issues an answer of peace. Our God is a God of peace.

Song.

Where there is hatred, we will show his love – Where there is injury, we will never judge

Where there is striving, we will speak his peace – To the millions crying for release,

We will be his instruments of peace

Prayer: O Lord, teach me to be your voice of peace. Let me only speak what I hear you say

 

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 Speaks

Gen 41:15 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. 16 And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

Many years have passed and Joseph is not heard … but an end to that period of silence comes. Joseph must now speak. That which was in him is now about to be delivered. We must patiently wait for our time … our change – for an end to the time of silence will surely come.

Job 14:14 If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.

The end of silence requires that all the appointed days of waiting be fulfilled. You cannot rush what God in his wisdom has decided to delay. But then, when it is time to take the stage, you must not be absent or be unprepared. Joseph knew what to say and how to say it … He knew what to expect and how to deal with it. He had been prepared to emerge as a Prime Minister of Egypt – He was trained in the University of the Pit and Prison. There is someone reading this devotional. Are you tired of your silence and waiting? You must simply endure a little more and then more. The time of waiting is worth it. You will know when Pharaoh himself speaks to you and not through any other … that your time to speak has at last come. For now … remain still.

Many have delivered prematurely or mismanaged the pregnancy of destiny by unnecessary movements. God uses managed isolation to finish the growth of the embryo until ready for birth. When the time for your baby comes, there is no other than the carrier of the pregnancy that can deliver. You. It does not matter the good intentions and efforts of others. Only you can deliver your own pregnancy. None could be found to do what Joseph was uniquely destined to do. Likewise it will be for you … so relax. Worship your God – who is able to do exceedingly above all our best imaginations. Your delivery time is here.

Song.

Lord, Make us instruments of your peace, Where there is hatred, let your love increase

Lord, make us instruments of your peace, Walls of pride and prejudice shall cease

When we are your instruments of peace.

Prayer: O Lord, teach me to be your voice of peace. Let me only speak what I hear you say

 

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 

New Garments

Gen 41:14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.

When the day of change comes it will be swift, unhindered and unstoppable. Even appearances change. Garments of shame will be replaced with garments of glory. The attire of a prisoner is a sorry sight that is unsuitable for the palace of Pharaoh. Shame and dirt of the prison are not permitted in the palace. Ponder over this; Are we permitted to show up before the King of kings clothed in beggarly garments of sorrow and self-pity? Joseph’s garment was given and not earned. What can we do for God that can impress Him? Does the Bible not describe all our best works and achievements as filthy rags …. sending out only repulsive odor. But there is a garment given to us for the Palace … Christ.

Gal 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Like for Joseph, the garment of Christ’s righteousness is not of works but given to him that has been called out to salvation by the Holy Spirit of God. It is all grace. Indeed, he that is clothed in Christ by the grace and mercy of God is transformed from glory to glory until the day when we see Christ in His full glory – by which time we shall be like Him. Be encouraged that you do not need to sew your garment … the fine linen is given. When we have put on Christ and are seen, it is Christ that is seen. Lord have mercy. Do people see Christ when they see me?

Deu 22:5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God

There are many garments and attires described in the Bible. There is the attire of a harlot, babylonish garments, wedding garments, old and new garments. What we wear matters – as it reflects what we have inside. A bad apple is seen on the outside as rotten but it was first bad from the inside. Do not believe that what we wear does not count … because it matters to majesty that we are properly dressed – especially God.

Help me to radiate the simplicity, purity and humility of Christ as He reigns within. It is strange that someone can be attired in strange garments with a huge chain and a large gold cross and imagines that he has put on Christ. There is a clear difference between perspectives and even physical garments when we are in the bondage of sin and the dungeon of perversion and when we have received admission by grace into His salvation. It is time to get rid of the wardrobe that does not reflect Christ. You have come out of the dungeon. Stop dressing as though you were still there. Put on the joy of the Lord – the perfect makeup … put on Christ … the finest white linen.

Song.

I am rejoicing my name has been written,

I am rejoicing that I am born again.

Prayer: Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true. 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 

Change is Inevitable

Gen 41:14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.

Old raiment does not fit in the palace. There are old ways that must not be carried to your next level. There must be change and many elements of our lives that must change dramatically. We must not be afraid of change but rather see change as inevitable. Our ways of thinking and aspects of our character must change. For some location will change, our capabilities and capacities can also change … careers change … our aspirations changes. But what about raiment? Raiment represents the first impression we give others … that which is first concluded about us … our visible passion. We can begin to give a very different impression such that all who see us only desire to favor us.

Zec 3:4 And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment

Change of raiment also implies forgiveness … The prison garments of shame and sin are filthy.  God has forgiven you so forgive yourself … not doing so is also pride. The devil uses sin to put us in prison and torments us down with memories. But … God causes our iniquity to pass from us … and clothes us with clean garments. Forgiveness is a very powerful lever for change. Rejoicing is another lever. You are entering a season of change that require you to release several old things you will not need – especially your attitude. How do you change your attitude? By  allowing the Bible to renew your mind and developing and practising new thoughts and habits. For example … begin to pray for those who have hurt you … begin the habit of regular Bible study and praise. Choose to rejoice no matter the outcome … situations may be unpredictable but your reaction is your choice … choose new reactions ahead of whatever comes your way … learn new songs … begin to declare “no matter what comes my way – my life is safe in God … I cannot be a victim”

Expect change and expect it to favor you. Your expectations will not be cut off. Preparing for change is an act of faith … Joseph had a sure faith that this was an important transition. He prepared himself and his garments were changed. Your next level will not be permitted to embrace your old negative habits. Be positive.  Embrace change joyfully.

Song.

I know that my Redeemer lives: What joy the blest assurance gives!

He lives, He lives, who once was dead; He lives, my everlasting Head,

He lives, triumphant from the grave; He lives, eternally to save;

He lives, all glorious in the sky; He lives, exalted there on high,

He lives to bless me with His love, And still He pleads for me above;

He lives to raise me from the grave, And me eternally to save,

He lives, my kind, wise, constant Friend, Who still will keep me to the end;

He lives, and while He lives I’ll sing, Jesus, my Prophet, Priest, and King,

He lives my mansion to prepare; And He will bring me safely there;

He lives, all glory to His Name! Jesus, unchangeably the same,

We are going higher – Hallelujah Amen – In the name of Jesus – Hallelujah Amen

Prayer: Lord, prepare me for the next level. 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