Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 70

Two Available Paths

Gen 40:16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, I had three white baskets on my head: 17 And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bakemeats for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head. 18 And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days: 19 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee.

The treachery of Satan is an illustration that is echoed in all who reject the grace that is freely given in Christ. While in the first dream of the butler, he sees himself serving and pleasing the King – in the dream, Pharaoh; the dream of the baker is different. There were bakemeats meant for the King but which were served to birds.

Centuries later, a man called Judas called and commissioned by Christ to be a disciple but secretly a thief and a traitor, serves the interests of the Pharisees and other agents of hell to betray Christ. Just as Christ is resurrected after three days, Judas ends up hanging, his corpse feeding birds. The lot of a traitor is a bad end. There are many pictures in scripture that point out that it is not all that will end well. For many the end will be fearfully horrible. We are in a time when many question the reality of hell and a horrible end … but the types and admonitions in scripture do not support that there is no hell.

Luk 6:25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.

I do pray that your end will be well. Reflect in this devotional on the way you will end.  It is not everyone that mourns that will be blessed.  Both baker and butler were sad, but their outcomes were very different.  Men will often only see similar patterns and circumstances … all “worshippers” gathering lifting up hands but God who sees the heart separates the faithful from the traitor.  Note that Joseph does not know the basis of God’s judgement.

How will my case be? Do not assume or be presumptuous?  Ask God who knows the two available paths, the path of life and that of death. David did not take chances. He went to God for answers. You can also discover yourself through the word of God. God judges our ways by His word in which there is illumination for us to correct many deviations. The baker assumed he would also have good news and was bold to reveal his dreams. He was wrong. We can go to God for mercy to help us to be right with Him. Most are too proud to do so and would rather just continue in an ignorant presumption that all is well … when the word may reveal that it is not.

Psa 19:12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

The text reminds us that there are two available paths. Be on the path of life. Pray to God for mercy to end well. That which is meant for God – your body is to be His temple – but how come it is served to foul birds? Lord help and change a bad situation. Repent.

Song.

Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin ;

Each victory will help you … some other to win

Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue;

Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.

Ask the Savior to help you, Comfort strengthen and keep you;

He is willing to aid you, He will carry you through.

               Dr H.R Palmer

Prayer: O Lord, Have mercy on my soul. Let my end be glorious and not shame. 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 

Dangerous Presumption

Gen 40:16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, I had three white baskets on my head: 17 And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bakemeats for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head. 18 And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days: 19 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee.

God is merciful and just at the same time. He does not wink at evil, yet He forgives like none else can. The chief baker emerges expecting a good outcome only to be hung  on a tree. Why?

Christ paid the price for our sins … the chastisement that brought us peace was laid upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.  But even as Christ went up to glory, Judas also hangs. The butler is promoted but the chief baker hangs … the baker’s hopes were only presumptions … his assumptions based on the outcome for the butler were completely wrong. Do not compare your situation with others or base your hopes on promises and assessments of men – instead, let the settled unfailing word of God shape your hopes. Mercy and justice are twins.  As we expect great acts of God’s mercy in His house we also know that judgement begins in the same place where mercy flows like a river. Few preach a God who is the righteous judge … they are somewhat like the chief baker always expecting a good interpretation, not wanting to hear the odd prophet warning of coming judgement. But sometimes we must face to the reality that God must judge wrong with a commensurate punishment. Often times He must wait till the cup is full and the foreknown punishment now matches the misdeed. Many persist in evil because all they are told is that God  is merciful – they will not repent and instead have unrealistic expectations that things will end well. We cannot be steeped in idolatry and profanity … ignoring calls to repent and expecting mercy or insisting on bringing sacrifices of praise, fasting and generous offerings that will only be abomination without repentance.   Judas was still alive when offered the forgiveness of Christ on the cross, but he rejected it … too proud and deceived to repent and go back to God for another chance. Many are living under the false assumption that God will not judge evil or that He is a God with whom anything goes. Our expectations must tie with the word of God.

Saul similarly expected Samuel to cover up for him … these were unrealistic expectations. Ephraim was blessed but eventually was joined to idols … it is unrealistic to expect to remain blessed in idolatry and worldliness but many do. Examine your expectations concerning God. Are they aligned with the word of God and His nature as the God of Mercy and Justice. If your expectations do not match with the word of God … accept God’s corrections quickly. You can begin with humbling yourself and repenting. Do not presume … instead believe and receive Christ.

Back to the text – many houses of God are like places where the word of God, the bread of heaven instead of nourishing the growth of God’s children has been devoured just as birds devour unprotected bread.  When the word is not seen as precious direction to be guarded, cherished, valued and defended, it will soon fade as birds of doubts and worldliness attack the message.

Watch out for  birds attacking the word of God in your life.  They are like the little foxes, imperceptible and tiny. Spoilers that destroy the vineyards from within. They are the enemy from the very inside. They eat up our relationship with God quietly and with little or no notice. They work great destructions without any fanfare. Lord, help me to detect and catch the birds, devourers and little foxes that seek to spoil the vines.

For  the careless, instead of the word of God (now consumed by birds and foxes), presumption is shared and many feed on this. The result is a false confidence not based on the truths of God. Many who are not expecting the return of Christ imagine they are saved. Many live in contention and unforgiveness presuming they have salvation. Many have been fed the presumption that holiness is unattainable and so undesirable. Many think they are “almost saved”  electing to postpone their consecration … “Almost”— but lost

Php_2:12  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 

Song.

“Almost persuaded” now to believe;

“Almost persuaded” Christ to receive;

Seems now some soul to say: Go, Spirit, go Thy way;

Some more convenient day On Thee I’ll call.

“Almost persuaded,” come, come today!

“Almost persuaded,” turn not away;

Jesus invites you here; Angels are ling’ring near;

Prayers rise from hearts so dear; O wand’rer, come!

“Almost persuaded”: harvest is past!

“Almost persuaded”: doom comes at last;

“Almost” cannot avail;” Almost” is but to fail;

Sad, sad, that bitter wail: “Almost”— but lost

Prayer: O Lord, Do not let me live in presumption … search me and prove me now when I can still repent.  Do not permit my end to be grievous.  Help my obedience. Lord, disappoint those waiting to celebrate my failure. 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 Egyptian Mentors

Gen 40: 14 But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: 15 For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.

Joseph voices his inner pains and anguish … “make mention of me unto Pharaoh and bring me out … ” Unfortunately pleas to men are often vain. The child of destiny can only be helped by God although he serves Potiphar, the poor prisoner and at last here is the VIP Prisoner … but all of them must forget him for a season until Joseph has lost all hope in them. Perhaps Joseph has failed a vital test that will cost at least two full extra years.  Joseph cannot be Prime Minister in Egypt and also tied to an Egyptian mentor somewhere. Our hope and trust must be in God who will use whomsoever He elects for us.  God must also move at the time that He has appointed.   Still we are human and our pains will occasionally be voiced .  The destiny and plans of God would have been marred if Joseph were helped by Potiphar, his wife, the Captain of the guards or the chief butler or baker. Do you see the inability of people we look up to help us when we want them to can be a good sign that God has something better planned ahead. I encourage someone in a difficult situation to keep looking up to God as we joyfully serve in the vineyard.  His delay is not a denial, but part of His plans. Look up to the Cross. If you must have a mentor, find one in whom the Spirit of God clearly dwells … appointed by God in His time.

Song.

A Sov’reign Protector I have,

Unseen, yet forever at hand,

Unchangeably faithful to save,

Almighty to rule and command.

He smiles, and my comforts abound;

His grace as the dew shall descend;

And walls of salvation surround

The soul He delights to defend.

Inspirer and Hearer of prayer,

Thou Shepherd and Guardian of Thine,

My all to Thy covenant care

I sleeping and waking resign.

If Thou art my Shield and my Sun,

The night is no darkness to me;

And fast as my moments roll on,

They bring me but nearer to Thee.

Kind Author, and ground of my hope,

Thee, Thee, for my God I avow;

My glad Ebenezer set up,

And own Thou hast helped me till now.

I muse on the years that are past,

Wherein my defense Thou hast proved;

Nor wilt Thou relinquish at last

A sinner so signally loved!

Prayer: Sovereign Protector – Be our constant help … may our eyes be lifted up 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 

Linked to the Vine

Gen 40:9 And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me; 10 And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes: 11 And Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand.12 And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days: 13 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh’s cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler. 14 But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: 15 For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.

The Bible often describes Christ as the Vine … and His children are branches that must bear fruit. He laid down His life to be crushed only to be resurrected in three days to report back a finished work that has earned a glorious restoration for all who give their life to Him. Wine is a symbol of joy, beauty, restoration and mercy. Christ is good news to be preached to others. In Him is restoration, joy and fresh new beginnings. Christ is joy … A Christian cannot be without this joy that is from within. Reflect on this joy and Christ’s work of restoration in lives of men. Perhaps someone you know needs to know Him.

Back to Joseph. Joseph interprets a dream and prophesies a restoration in three days – a picture of Christ’s resurrection … and also an interpretation that releases another series of future events that admits Joseph into a future glory.  In similar fashion, when we and all our old passions are crucified with Christ we are resurrected to partake in a present victorious walk and a future glorious destiny.

We only need to be born to be captives of the devil. All have fallen and will fall short of the glory because the world has been sold to sin. When one man – Adam fell, mankind’s destiny was stolen and all men found themselves in a hopeless downward spiral without the work of Christ – also one man.  Teachings that suggest there are other good men somewhere by which people will be saved are untrue.  Think about it, mankind fell because of one man – the first Adam and because of one man – the second, man can also be restored. We do not need to do anything to be lost without Christ – the Vine. But when linked to the Vine, we need no more to fear satan and his serpents.

In three days, the butler will be restored and much later Joseph will also be restored. Similarly, in three days Christ arose from the dead … mankind now could be saved and could enter a future glory in Him.  All that  are in Him could be likewise restored. It was all the sacrifice of Christ. All the dreams God has given you will one day come to pass. The harvest of souls will be reaped. The future glory with Christ in eternity will be our portion. The story of the butler was prophesied to end well. All that are in Christ will end well. Let your life be truly given to Him. I see a glorious restoration coming your way as you reconnect back to Christ.

Song.

Through the love of God our Savior … All will be well;

Free and changeless is His favour … All, all is well.

Precious is the blood that healed us; Perfect is the grace that sealed us;

Strong the hand stretched forth to shield us; All must be well

Prayer: O Lord, May it be well with all that pertains to us. 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 

Two Dreams in a Night

Gen 40:5 And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison. 6 And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad. 7 And he asked Pharaoh’s officers that were with him in the ward of his lord’s house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day? 8 And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.

The VIP prisoners are receiving the best treatment in prison. Even in prison, there is a hierarchy and Joseph is assigned to serve and cater for the welfare of the butler and baker of Pharaoh. There are different types of situations in the prison and in life … many are happy because they are still being helped by others … others not as lucky even in prison. Joseph should be sad … but the Bible does not tell us that he is. Egypt has made special arrangements that though the baker and butler are in prison, they should be well catered for.

God however sends them a troubling situation that makes them sad. Do you wish you are rich,  successful and well positioned in society because you think that will make you happy. But peace and joy are only with God – and they are neither for sale nor guaranteed even in the Palace. Because of the destiny of Joseph … two VIP prisoners are made sad? They are not sad because they are in prison … but because joy is withdrawn from them and troubling dreams sent to them in the same night. Joy is with God.  Joseph is not sad. God has so many ways of bringing your destiny to pass. The sadness of the world and the gloom of sinners may seem to you justified and well deserved – at best not your business. You have been warned to stay out of people’s issues and not carry burdens that are not yours – but this was not the way of Joseph. Christ said He is the friend of sinners. Will Joseph pass this test? Will he walk away from this sadness of criminals or will he pass another test set for him. Sometimes your destiny is linked to unusual and exceptional obedience to God … doing what others will ordinarily not do. There is a joy that is sensitive to the sorrow of others.

Are you weary or troubled? Go to Jesus who calms our fears. He is our peace. He breaks the bondage of sin and His blood cleanses its stains. Look around … is someone troubled? Do you care? Even close relations avoid kin in times of trouble.  Today, tell someone troubled about Jesus, the friend closer than a brother … His mercy endures, ever faithful ever sure.  The joy of the Lord is your strength. Tonight, you will sleep in peace. No more troubling dreams.

Song.

Days are filled with sorrow and care,

Hearts are lonely and drear;

Burdens are lifted at Calvary,

Jesus is very near.

Refrain:

Burdens are lifted at Calvary,

Calvary, Calvary;

Burdens are lifted at Calvary,

Jesus is very near.

Cast your care on Jesus today,

Leave your worry and fear;

Burdens are lifted at Calvary,

Jesus is very near.

Troubled soul, the Savior can see

Ev’ry heartache and tear;

Burdens are lifted at Calvary,

Jesus is very near.

Prayer: O Lord Jesus … our burden bearer … I bring all the burdens of the many troubled souls around me … please lift them all as I lay them at Calvary. 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 Gift

Gen 40:5 And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison. 6 And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad. 7 And he asked Pharaoh’s officers that were with him in the ward of his lord’s house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day? 8 And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.

Joseph was not employed to interpret dreams. Indeed he was not employed at all. He was a prisoner serving a sentence, being punished for what He did not do. Why is he now playing the counsellor? What kind of spirit is this that cares for the people of the race that has so poorly treated him. Joseph observed the pains and groans of those around him in prison. He was sensitive to the bondage and spiritual defeat. This morning, my question to you is “What are you observing?” … ” What do you notice?” … “What takes your attention? Joseph expresses a new gift from God. Why is he given this gift?

Many in Joseph’s situation will be immersed in bad memories and bitterness. Many will still be asking God ” Why me?” Many will be looking at self and be pained at unrealized matters. The temptation to focus on self is more compelling in the prison. But even in the prison, the bridge to a glorious future has been constructed by God. Take your eyes off your issues for a moment and look up to God… come higher in your perspective. Through the eyes of God you will observe the pains and despair of lost souls. You will discern the quiet cries of those who appear to be on top. You will not see their aggression nor their insincerity … but the root cause of many unspoken sorrows. It is a Godly man that can be drawn prayerfully to be used by God to ameliorate the pains of others. Today, the motivational guru will preach that to get ahead, we should select friends carefully and avoid those who can not add value to us …  but around Joseph were only convicts … pained bitter hearts.  Joseph does not hide from them … he was drawn by the Spirit of God to them.

We know Joseph had his own dreams, but it is not as clear if Joseph had interpreted the dreams of others before. But he knew that interpretations belong to God. Salvation belongs to God. Many flock around you – in need of this salvation but you only see their faults and how they annoy you or what they can or cannot do for you. Shame on you. Joseph noticed the depression of Pharaoh’s officers not because he thought they could help him.  Lord, help me to be burdened by the sorrow and challenges of others. This is what it means to come up higher spiritually. To be able to forget about ourselves and be truly burdened in intercession for nations, people and situations.

Millions do not know the Lord. They go to Church but have not received the comfort of the Holy Spirit. If you come up higher you will see the heavy luggage weighing them down; that needs to be laid down on the cross. You will not see your own wounds on higher ground. Instead compassion will move you to tears for the barren. Ah … but you do not know my troubles … you say. Could you compare them to what Joseph went through and still be moved by compassion for others. I discern a mystery … how are bitter situations transformed to uncommon compassion? How does sorrow and love meet? Ponder over these and how your trials can be of great value when you go to up to Calvary. You will find as you release them at the foot of the Cross, God will use you in far greater dimensions for others. Receive grace in Christ to focus less on self and be burdened by the pains of others. God has a gift in you waiting to be released. Go up to Calvary thanking God for this gift.

Song.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,

Sorrow and love flow mingled down

Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,

Or thorns compose so rich a crown.

Prayer: O Lord, help me see things you want me to see. Give me compassion for pained souls. 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 

Seasons

Gen 40:4 And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.

A season is a period of time marked by certain conditions … There are many seasons in life … different times. For Joseph it is a season to serve criminals. How will you feel if God permitted such a season in your life? But God is the controller of seasons. Praise Him in all seasons, even when they seem adverse.

Ecc 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

There are times of favor and times of disadvantage. But God appoints the times and seasons. There is no excuse for non-performance because God provides time for every purpose and for every work. If we say we are faithful, but claim we do not have the opportunity – we lie. Also a man who has no integrity and who is wicked but pretends will also be proven to be so in another season.

Ecc 3:17 I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work. Ecc 3:22 Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

God uses seasons to glorify Himself as God – the uncreated creator and master of all the universe, using different seasons to bring out His strengths in us and sometimes it is our failings that are corrected in the appointed season. Our portion is to rejoice and keep praising Him in the present time and accept what God is teaching us. For a season Joseph must serve again … a different opportunity to serve for a season unfolds. In this season, the butler and the baker observe Joseph and grow to trust him. Soon they are confiding in him and he becomes their friend. How are you responding in the season before you? Will you be found righteous or wicked? A good thing about seasons is that they change. Soon there shall be a season of showers.

Remember – do not give up, do not despair, do not settle for compromise, do not sink in doubts … it’s only a season. Look to the God who controls and masters the seasons. Do you not hear the sound of abundance of rain? … mercy drops all around us.

Song.

“There shall be showers of blessing:” This is the promise of love;

There shall be seasons refreshing, Sent from the Savior above.

Showers of blessing, Showers of blessing we need:

Mercy drops ’round us are falling, But for the showers we plead.

“There shall be showers of blessing”— Precious reviving again;

Over the hills and the valleys, Sound of abundance of rain.

“There shall be showers of blessing:” Send them upon us, O Lord;

Grant to us now a refreshing; Come, and now honor Thy Word.

“There shall be showers of blessing:” Oh, that today they might fall,

Now as to God we’re confessing, Now as on Jesus we call!

Prayer: O Lord, we rejoice and thank you for the seasons. Oh that showers of your blessings might fall. 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 

Service and Leadership

Gen 40:4 And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.

Joseph in earlier days had served Potiphar and then served the Captain of the guards and now he finds himself serving the butler and the baker. The main competence in which he excelled all through his trials was service. The Bible teaches that the greatest amongst you will be your servant. Serving is best learnt in harsh environments … just as faith grows best in the winter seasons.  Joseph did not earn any wages. He was serving under a cloud of painful injustice – yet he served so admirably that soon, the most important issues were placed in his care.

Jesus taught the disciples patiently when he washed their feet … knowing fully well that one of those feet would betray him with a kiss and the others would deny and desert Him. Service counts more with God when it is as to the unseen God. How would you serve a reigning monarch if appointed his senior adviser? I know you think you will do so excellently, but I dare add you will not serve better than when you served the lowest in the toughest circumstances … when none seemed to be appraising you. Indeed we want to be motivated and encouraged to serve. We want appreciation and we should also give it. But we learn to serve only if we can serve well without these sweeteners. Indeed, our service is as unto God if we can be consistent in all conditions. Does God stop the rain and seize the air we breathe when we are disloyal to Him? Do we serve God well only when He smiles at us? Will we serve well if God is silent through our tough seasons?

Joseph did not know he was serving those he would one day rule over as second to Pharaoh. He did not know he would one day allocate resources in a higher role to Potiphar, the captain of the guard and to the butler and baker. He did not serve praying he would one day be their masters . He did not serve despising them for their injustice upon him. He served well and better than the rest, doing all that he could for their good.

Have you been given the toughest assignments of service? Have you been unusually consistent especially under pressures and crisis? Do you have the grace to serve even the lowest, meanest and harshest of men like you serve God or you serve best when you get what you plan or want?  Ponder on these questions. God needs men for His revival. His men and women who will bring in the harvest of souls will be servants. God is training them. Perhaps you are one of them.  Nations need leaders. Is self really your god or Jehovah ?  If self is not your god, why are you so excessively preoccupied with yourself and your issues?

Service, like true giving, will often be hard and unappreciated. True service is neither fun nor casual … but requires rare discipline. The Apostle Paul wrote most of the New Testament from the prison cell thinking nothing will come out of his writings.  A place in which he offered God glorious service that is still blessing mankind.  In voting for or selecting a leader, look for humility and service that has cost much. Teach me to serve like David – a man who kept serving though disqualified to build the Temple …  to serve like Nehemiah  - a man who did nothing for himself, who in the end went to God crying “Remember me, O my God, for good” … yet these men worked and kept giving. That is service. Those were leaders.

“The Bible was written in tears and to tears it will yield its best treasure. God has nothing to say to the frivolous man.” A.W. Tozer.

Song.

Work when the night is coming, Under the sunset skies;

While their bright tints are glowing. Work for daylight flies

Work till the last beam fadeth, fadeth to shine no more;

Work while the night is darkening, When men’s work is o’er.

Prayer: O Lord, I need more grace to serve as you want me to serve. Let me not serve frivolously 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 

Strange Connections

Gen 40:1 And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt. 2 And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers. 3 And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.

In the palace of Pharaoh, God is preparing strange connections for Joseph. There is a disagreement and a quarrel that leads officers to be sent to prisons. The butler serves and supervises the errands and the wine and the baker the bread. These are influential persons close to the Pharaoh and connected within the politics. The palace politics works against their interest and conflict brews to their disadvantage. The once favored pair are suddenly at a loss.

Do you know that all men, leaders and the led are subject to God. God can raise issues, cause rifts and control even the politics for His higher purpose. Do not imagine that the politics is immune to the power of God’s influence. Pharaoh is set up with anger because God has selected a connection for Joseph. Do not attempt to guess how God will raise help for you. Your mind will simply drift to Potiphar’s house where you hope in bitterness that someone will speak on your behalf. God’s ways are beyond searching. Release the Potiphar experience of injustice to God – who has made it irrelevant. Do not permit the bitterness of the past to confuse your vision.

Your divine connection is the person sent by God and positioned in your prison cell – you cannot miss him. The captain of the guard is instructed to handle their case with extra care – these are VIP prisoners. Many have asked the question. Who is God going to use for my rescue from bondage? A few drift from Church to Church chasing men of God. Some become so worked up with worry. This devotional says “Be still” … help is on the way. Help will meet you exactly where you are … where you have been sent. Stop pushing issues and seeking to force circumstances. This is the way of the ungodly. The Bible describes the Godly as like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. But the ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Why do you worry so much about chaff … an empty shell that God blows as He wills. Pharaoh is chaff … but you are a tree. Pharaoh is angry and tossed up and down but by God only for your connection to be moved effortlessly to where you remain planted. Praise God. Be immoveable in God. Watch the wicked blown away like chaff. Wait on God where he has placed you.

Song.

… When troubles come and my heart burdened be

and I am still and wait here in the silence until You come to sit awhile with me.

You raise me up so I can stand on mountains … You raise me up to walk on stormy seas

I am strong when I am on Your shoulders … you raise me up to more than I can be.

Prayer: O Lord, teach me to be still and wait on You sometimes even in the silence. 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 

After These Things

Gen 40:1 And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt. 2 And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers. 3 And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.

Things do not remain the same. The problems you are currently going through will cease. All the issues you are facing will cease. These things that worry you so much are transient …they are events that will pass. Your failures and your successes … high and low … they will all one day pass. It is pointless to dwell on things that have passed. After all these things … something different happens. Your loneliness, your barrenness will pass. Do not cling to that which will pass. Look to the God of the “after.” Study biographies and you will consistently discover that good and evil come to all … and all things pass, eventually. But God and His promises are forever sure. His word is forever settled.

Do you see that yesterday has a way of becoming irrelevant? All the accolades and embarrassment may at the moment seem so critical … but wait for tomorrow … wait a few years and see if anyone remembers your day of honor or day of shame. A few more years and you will need a fading picture to remind yourself that you sat on the high table of honor. The lesson here is to allow things to pass. Allow God to move on into new phases of your victory.

Be careful of bitterness and pains that want to tie you down. Never be tempted to act in revenge or speak out of being tied to an incident. You are simply chaining your destiny down when God wants to move forward. Do you notice that many years later you wander why certain issues bothered you so much. When you are full of regret and bitterness you waste valuable time and emotions … paralyzing yourself where none has paralyzed you. God starts a fresh phase for Joseph by bringing in two inmates into the prison. It has nothing to do with Joseph but in the end it has everything to do with God working through him. Watch out. God is doing something new again. Let go of yesterday. Let God lead.

Song.

All the way my Savior leads me; What have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt His tender mercy, Who thro’ life has been my Guide?

Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort, Here by faith in Him to dwell!

For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well;

For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me, Cheers each winding path I tread,

Gives me grace for ev’ry trial, Feeds me with the living bread.

Though my weary steps may falter, And my soul athirst may be,

Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! a spring of joy I see;

Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! a spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me; Oh, the fullness of His love!

Perfect rest to me is promised In my Father’s house above.

When my spirit, clothed immortal, Wings its flight to realms of day,

This my song thro’ endless ages: Jesus led me all the way;

This my song thro’ endless ages: Jesus led me all the way.

Prayer: O Lord, lead me forward and help me to let go of the past. 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