Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 71

Character Upholds

Gen 39:21 But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. 23 The keeper of the prison looked not to anything that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.

When Joseph goes into prison, he goes as a convicted rapist and is most likely treated as one. He is observed with intense suspicion and everyone concludes the need for extra care with him. Things may have been initially rough, but his true character begins to shine again and before long … no one cares if Joseph was labelled a rapist or not. Soon they begin to trust him again … with a little more here and a little more there. Before long – it becomes clear that the entire prison operation must be handed over to Joseph. The keeper puts everything in the hands of a convicted pervert. Indeed, it may have crossed some minds that Joseph was innocent … but more importantly, his character begins to glow and soon everyone looks up to him.

Although Joseph is silent. His good deeds and his God are not silent. His character and presence of God in his life defends him and the Spirit of God helps him . The presence of God must be evident in our character and becomes a powerful defender … always answering where everything else is silent. What is your character? Soon it will speak again.

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, May your presence shine in my life. Help me manifest a godly character. 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 

New Friends

Gen 39:21 But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. 23 The keeper of the prison looked not to anything that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.

The presence of God in the life of Joseph causes favour and mercy to be showered on him. The keeper commits all the prisoners to Joseph and puts Joseph in charge. Why is this necessary? First the principle of promotion after false accusation is upheld but more importantly Joseph needs to be trained to love the rejected, the abused and the hopeless. These are God’s special people. Murderers and thieves deserve to be in prison and forgotten, but consider that Moses and David were both murderers. Visit the prisons and you will encounter the guilty but also the innocent, the uneducated, the cheated, the unskilled and the deceived. The prostitute introduced into prostitution through rape, starvation and fear. This devotional does not make a case for criminals but did Christ not Himself say …

Mat 25:43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

David learnt a lot when in the cave of Adullam with society’s rejects. He learnt compassion and his perspectives on social justice were shaped. Joseph will one day be second to Pharaoh, he must learn to have a common touch otherwise the poor will be cheated and the prisoners in the coming famine will starve to death. The prisoners of Egypt become Joseph’s close acquaintances and friends – they will be some of his advisers in the future. Many years after when Joseph is Prime Minister, he will not forget them. You cannot lead for God if you cannot be friends with and serve those seen to be amongst the lowest cadre in society … you owe the duty to serve all – especially the least; criminals and those society abandons.

God is shaping your life to give you the practical insights required for success. Learn an important lesson. God’s chosen people do not fail God because their lives have been uniquely prepared not to do so – and not because they are better than others. Observe that it was all God’s mercy and favour.

Today, thank God for His preparations. Thank Him for His favour and mercy and for leading you into the place of many restrictions and to people special to Him. It is all working together for your good. Ask God to choose your friends. New Friends.

Song.

Lead me through the vale of shadows, bear me o’er life’s fitful sea;

Then the gate of life’s eternal ; May I enter Lord with thee;

Close to Thee, close to Thee, Close to Thee, Close to Thee

All along my pilgrim journey, Saviour , Let me walk with Thee.

Prayer: O Lord, how can I say thanks for all the special training arrangements and favour bestowed on me. Help my ingratitude. Choose my friends for me. Amen

 

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory.  We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious  because God works His marvellous agenda.   Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily.   Edited by  Bolade Apampa 

Silver Lining

Gen 39:19 And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled. 20 And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison

The imprisonment of Joseph bears some resemblance with the trial and sentencing of Jesus. A lamb is led to the slaughter, but indeed He was the lamb that taketh away the sins of the world. In similar fashion, Joseph must pay the price for the rescue of the Hebrews from a future famine that could wipe out the population. The greater miracle is the lack of resistance and refusal to self-defend when the opportunity was there. If Joseph had not gone to the prison, he could not have met the baker and the butler of Pharaoh. Today is a day to understand more on the tests and trials that come our way and learn what the Bible teaches us to do.

1Pe 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Trials, temptations and scourging were the lot of the early Christians. It brought heaviness even as Peter encouraged instead a great rejoicing because these are the things that purify and assure us of the faith we have. Trials can come in the form of tough discipline (which seems too hard to bear) … special chastening reserved for God’s children to enable them partake in heritage of holiness.  Faith in God is a gift of God which is far more precious than gold which perishes. Faith that is not tried is not strong or pure and may not stand in future circumstances that require its value. There are tests and tribulations that come to us – and for which we are able to go through only because we survived previous temptations. God assures us that this will also pass and will make you a stronger Christian. This will be another step on the ladder that will take you higher and higher till Christ returns to take us to the utmost heights. False accusation is often the chosen vehicle that sets us to come up and receive the next level of elevation. The assurance that God is with us is strong when in situations that call for Him.

The hallmark of godlessness is self-preservation while the evidence of God is the sacrificial life. The knife of false accusation cuts our self-life into pieces – becoming an offering that is placed on the altar for the fire of God to burn. The offering cannot be cut by the offering … God must find others to do it for us.

Study the lives of Daniel, the three Hebrew boys with him, Joseph, David and even our Lord Jesus and you will observe false accusation as a precedent to spiritual and eventually physical promotion.

Accusation must be false as the Bible warns that we do not suffer for misdoings that cause the name of God to come under reproach.  We need to be disciplined for wrongdoing and judgment often begins in the house of the Lord. This devotional encourages us to examine our lives and see if we are really being accused falsely or there are legitimate grounds for which God is disciplining us. For most, it is sad that most accusation is not false. The worldly church has absorbed most worldly norms and traditions that it is no more even considered as accusation to raise certain issues. Babyhood is delightful as there is no need to accuse the baby … even demons recognize that a Christian who chooses to remain an infant is harmless and should be encouraged to remain in that state. Will you accuse a baby of wetting his nappies or soiling the cot? But observe a man stepping into maturity and the trail of accusations that chase after him.  A child cannot inherit riches; he would squander them. As you mature be prepared for accusations. God may want to use accusation to test you.

Still they say every cloud has a silver lining.  Behind a frowning providence God hides His smile.  So where is the silver lining here?  Joseph is at last positioned for the connection to a great future elevation.  There is also a silver lining in your bleak situation.  Perhaps the discipline you are patiently enduring will make you a better person … another silver lining.  Keep trusting God as you move forward.  Discover the silver lining and praise God even if you cannot imagine what it  could be.

Song.

Here I give my all to thee – Friends and time and earthly store

Soul and body thine to be – Wholly thine for ever more.

Words: William Mcdonald 

Prayer: O Lord, let me be wholly yours – my rights all cut up – a true living sacrifice.

 

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 

Silence

Gen 39:19 And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled. 20 And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison

There is a ministry that is not often spoken about. This is the ministry of silence. This is not the silence of the reserved or the silence of the unlettered. This is not the silence when we do not have anything to say … but when we have a lot but must say absolutely nothing. Joseph is before Potiphar … he is not permitted to speak and he does not say anything. Christ was silent before Pilate and all his accusers in a similar way … speechless he was as accusations were levelled. Joseph had been trained by his hostile brothers to be silent. To be speechless requires utmost discipline and does not come easily.

The master’s wife must be allowed to have her way. There are times when we will not be permitted to debate the course of our lives and the many inexplicable events. At those times, we should just simply be quiet and watch. Saying nothing is a great virtue of which only a few have been given the grace. Jesus is not dumbfounded before His accusers. Indeed He had a knowledge and intelligence that none could dispute … but He was seen by onlookers as a fool. Everyone knew Barabbas was a wrong choice and that Jesus was innocent … but His accusers wanted Him to defend Himself. Similarly, it may have been clear to all that Joseph was not of the character to seduce His master’s wife … but why would he not say anything and betray his master.

The silence of Joseph saved him. It is not always understood that evil must sometimes be permitted to run its full course. Many are confused at the ministry of silence. But if Joseph had been preserved by simply stating his innocence, he would have missed his divine appointments in the prison. As Joseph is matched to incarceration … many onlookers would have mocked him … the many who do not agree with his previous elevation in the house of Potiphar will snigger and mock … even as he arrives in prison, the welcome of a dangerous pervert would have been given to him … but Joseph maintained his silence. May God teach us to be of few words when the Spirit of God demands it … especially when we have a lot to say. Soon you will have the opportunity to speak … but it will be from the palace not in the pit nor from prison. Joseph moves on to greatness … nothing is heard of Potiphar and his clever wife after this incident. Lord teach me about silence.

Song.

O Thou the God of all my praise,

Do thou not hold thy peace;

For mouths of wicked men to speak

Against me do not cease:

The mouths of vile deceitful men

Against me opened be;

And with a false and lying tongue

They have accused me.

Words: Scottish Psalter

Prayer: O Lord, strengthen the gift of my silence – that your will may prosper. 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 

Flee

Gen 39:12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.

There are certain situations that require the courage to flee. There are, as Spurgeon once wrote in  his devotional, no other modes of victory in these cases but by flight. The ancient naturalists wrote much of basilisks, whose eyes fascinated their victims, so the mere gaze of wickedness can put us in more danger that we think. Many have been hypnotized into situations they did not bargain for … while others willingly advanced to be slaughtered. The person who would be safe from evil must learn the wisdom of hasting away from certain scenarios. There are things to fight, argue with, preach to, debate and seek reconciliation with and there are things to just simply flee from.  A covenant must be made with our eyes not even to look upon potential causes of temptation. If we do not desire to be infected why will we enter a leper’s prison. The pilot does not test the landing gear of the plane by attempting to land on quicksand. Some actions are not in any way related to our faith, but just plainly stupid.

Consider your ways. Joseph did not at any time (even after he became second to Pharaoh) go back to Potiphar’s wife for anything. Rather, the jail and dungeons of Egypt were far safer than any suggestion of reconciliation or arguments with a snake. Joseph could have easily lost all the gains and harvest of a painful seed by a short phone call to Madame Potiphar. Indeed, Joseph would be far more attractive as a Prime Minister to Potiphar’s wife and a more juicy fish to trap in her wicked schemes. Our caution is a lifelong process of continued diligence.

The horrible trinity of the devil, the world and the flesh continue to contrive new contraptions to capture the careless. Madame Potiphar lurks in the corner, perhaps in a compromising situation to lure you to cheat, lie or deceive  or as an object of lust.  Be watchful. Flee … Do not fight certain experiences for you will certainly lose.  Indeed you may be right, but it is not every point that needs to be proven. Simply let God restore truth in His sure way and His own time – even if it requires years.  He makes all things beautiful in His time.

Today, if exposed to poisons … give me the wisdom to take to my heels … going as far from it as I can possible run … accepting to be called a coward and a loser – until God justifies His work in my life.

2Ti 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Song.

Father-like He tends and spares us;

Well our feeble frame He knows.

In His hands He gently bears us,

Rescues us from all our foes.

Praise Him! Praise Him!

Widely as His mercy flows.

Words: Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847)

Prayer: O Lord, rescue us from all our foes. 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 

Caught in a Trap

Gen 39:12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.

Why is Joseph alone in this situation that easily degenerates quickly? The trap of hell sells a lie that we can resist and run and nothing can go wrong. Many things can and did go wrong. There are many situations that need not arise if we heed the word of God and the Holy Spirit on fashion, decency, music we can listen to, relationships we can have, confidences and friendships we can maintain … what we can read etc.

It is doubtful that this is a situation that just suddenly emerges. There are many warnings on how to avoid the bait of the enemy in the first place. Was Joseph just an innocent young man attractive to Potiphar’s wife … perhaps that was so … did Joseph know it … maybe and perhaps not. Surely a messy situation has developed which may be the harvest of a seed someone somewhere has sown. Many situations can be avoided if we heed to the cautions in the word of God. More importantly single men should not wander into the boudoir of a woman unescorted. I pray you will not be lured into traps of any form and if you are already in one God will make a way of escape. Every trap has a bait … the victim must be baited into the trap. Baits are selected based on a study of the victim and determination of the optimum approach. The baits selected by the devil tell a lot about you … because the enemy of your soul has been watching you for long. It is silly to just expect you will find yourself victorious if you have not identified the bait early and checked your heart to respond to why this bait was chosen for you.

Joseph was in a trap. Either way he would lose something … either his freedom by going to jail or suffering for resisting the advances or worse … his integrity and destiny if he chose infidelity. Joseph was wise to choose to be jailed … indeed this trap was part of God’s process to bring him closer to realizing his destiny. Young men and women – be careful. Heed the warnings. … As for Delilahs … you can repent or face the ultimate end of a wicked damnation. Be ye Holy.

Song.

Take time to be holy,

Speak oft with thy Lord;

Abide in Him always,

And feed on His Word.

Make friends of God’s children;

Help those who are weak;

Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy,

The world rushes on;

Spend much time in secret

With Jesus alone;

By looking to Jesus,

Like Him thou shalt be;

Thy friends in thy conduct

His likeness shall see.

Words: William D. Longstaff, 1882

Prayer: O Lord, teach us and help us to be holy. 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 

Early Victories

Gen 39:7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. Gen 39:8 But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; Gen 39:9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

Joseph has passed the tests for the lower grade and is about to move on to the higher but he must pass the test of compromise.  Compromise comes in different shades and is appropriately packaged to be most effective. Joseph is a young man at an age when his mind is beginning to play with strange lusts whetted by the culture. Joseph is not said to be impotent nor is he an eunuch … I suspect he had like passions and being a handsome man, it is unlikely that Potiphar’s wife is the first to tempt him. Who is the evil destroyer that is asking you to lie with her? Compromise is safe, appears to have no costs – instead it offers significant benefits. There are tests we can easily pass. The test to compromise can be complicated by false assurances. I suspect Joseph would have been well settled in the House of Potiphar. The experienced wife of Potiphar must have had many slaves as her toys – Joseph was to be another. Compromise has already conquered many … who been well rewarded, not knowing that their destinies had been truncated. Polluted by compromise, they can no more go far. Compromise is sin.

Sin may be in a lustful Delilah and it may be packaged in a safer scenario – the principle is the same. God helps you to conquer it. How do we know that this was God at work for Joseph. We cannot find any guiding mentor, teachings or discipleships schools … perhaps Jacob prepared him well. I think differently. God is able to sustain us better than the best human instructors and teachers and uphold us with His own mighty protective arm. Without God … we all will fail before the most elementary pressures. The prayer of Satan is for God to leave His own for a moment and allow a fair fight … to remove all the hedges and not to interfere. The deception many fall into is to see themselves as self-made and strong – having conquered many situations. The difference between Joseph and Samson is the grace and mercy of God that elects to work differently in different situations. May we have grace and mercy at the times we need them the most and never stray to imagine that we can trust in our flesh when compromise deals with its sharpest arrows. Deal with sin or it will deal with you.  There is no peace for the wicked. May God help you.

Song.

Did we in our strength confide, our striving would be losing.

Were not the right man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;

Lord Sabaoth is His name

From age to age the same. And He must win the battle.

(Martin Luther) 

Prayer: O Lord, let me not trust in myself. Rather let your will and truth triumph through me. Amen

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory.  We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious  because God works His marvellous agenda.   Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily.   Edited by  Bolade Apampa 

Overcoming Temptations

Gen 39:7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. 8 But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; Gen 39:9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

God did not choose us so we can be wrecked by trials.  Yet temptations and trials must come. Temptations are not random tests. They are well planned and arranged by the tempter to achieve an evil objective  i.e. that we fall … but also serve divine purpose. Remember Job and what the devil said concerning him.  But God does not abandon us to be destroyed by the devil. God sets boundaries to evil and temptations that can befall us.

Job 1:9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.

Joseph has already proven that he is a good steward, a diligent man and a honest worker with integrity. He now needed a different test. He had been watched and as he grew with no female company, the best test was prepared to suit his peculiar situation. I observe that many will pass many tests but will fail when subtle lusts are presented. For others the test they will fail relates to pride of life or inability to forgive.  Satan answers God that Job loves himself and his success more than God and that if he is made a failure – he will abandon God – even as family, friend and supposed religious voices isolate him as a fraud.

Will Job hold on to God even if God alone knew what was going on and all men abandoned him? Job passed the test. Joseph passed the test. Tests are packaged after careful study and lifelong observation by the enemy. All our past is available to give indications on where we are most likely to be tempted. God permits the tests because they are useful to Him and us. Joseph now needed to be in the prisons of Egypt and no more the slave of the impressed Potiphar,  so he could meet with Pharaoh’s servants.  Everything happened as God ordained. Joseph was helped to survive sexual temptation but not protected from false accusation that will send him to prison. May God help us. Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil. But not my will but thine. Your destiny will not be truncated by failure in character.  Amen

Song.

The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide, A shelter in the time of storm;

Secure whatever ill betide, A shelter in the time of storm.

Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land, A weary land, a weary land;

Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land, A shelter in the time of storm.

A shade by day, defense by night, A shelter in the time of storm;

No fears alarm, no foes affright, A shelter in the time of storm.

The raging storms may round us beat, A shelter in the time of storm;

We’ll never leave our safe retreat, A shelter in the time of storm.

Words: Vernon J. Charlesworth,  1880

Prayer: O Lord, let me be hidden in the Rock that is Christ. 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 

Get Ready to Move up

Gen 39:3 And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. 4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. 5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. 6 And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favored.

Get ready to move up ; But God does not promote that which has not been tested. That will be injurious to the individual. God knows what we are made of, but we do not know. Instead we naturally delude ourselves that we are ready when we are far from it. Joseph is showered with advantage and favors, and you could say for a Hebrew slave, he had arrived. Joseph could forget the higher purpose and embrace the immediate offering of a better life. Be careful of doctrines that tell you your best life is now. This is often a serious failure of perception so far from divine truth. God who dwells on high is always taking us higher. In most cases, we are far from where God wants to take us and even though comfortable … better than our peers in the dusty tents of Israel – but still nowhere near the position God has ordained.  Joseph is asked to take care of everything for Potiphar … this exposed Joseph to all the dark secrets of Potiphar.  It was very easy to divert some of the resources of Potiphar to enrich himself but not Joseph. Joseph could have betrayed an imperfect Potiphar but he did not. Different tests … divine assessments.

The initial tests may be passive in nature.  We are tempted in very quiet and favourable circumstances when things seem to be going well. These were the beginnings of tests, but more still to come.  There are different tests … and all must be passed.  May God help us to see our tests as tests and not fail Him. Joseph scores well only because God is with Him. Everything that Joseph did worked well because God did it for him. Even Potiphar could see the evidence that Joseph was different. Do you appreciate that the best evidence of God in your life is the testimony of the heathen and not your pretensions or confessions? Especially those close to you, like your spouse or relations and employers. Family situations can be tests.

The heathen watch how you will handle all the opportunities and especially later trials and they observe a difference even when you say nothing. They can see that you fear God in a different way.  They have never seen unconditional love and will marvel at how you forgive and forget. They can sense the difference between a gathering of friends and associates from that which God has called out Himself.  They recognise that there is a protection and guidance for you that cannot be explained by schemes.  They know if God is truly your advocate or if you possess an interpersonal Laban-like cunning . They know the difference because many Hebrew slaves and servants have worked in the house of Potiphar … they can see that Joseph is different. The presence of God in your life will cause a marked difference in all that pertains to you. So much so that onlookers cannot but admit the reality of a higher being that is with you.

Ask yourself today. What are the tests that are before me? Is God my advocate? How am I faring? Is God with me helping me or do I feel myself drifting up and down without an anchor or worse …  defending self in a subtle way.  Go back to God … He can point out when the separation occurred and what to do to get God back in your life. Begin with a repentance.

Joseph did well. The presence of God caused much prosperity and favor. Joseph was not spoilt by riches because He had inside him – the one for whom diamonds are like dust. The things that could not impress God could not cause him to gasp in awe. Use your reactions and passions to check what is in you and inspiring you. You will be surprised at your findings. Go back to God. Let Jesus dwell in you.  His peace awaits you. Get ready to move up. The heathen will be amazed at what God is able to do through you that are His.

Song. 

I’d rather have Jesus, than silver or gold. I’d rather be His than have riches untold

I’d rather have Jesus, than houses or lands. I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hands.

Words: Rhea F. Miller 

Prayer: O Lord, teach me and help me to excel in the tests ahead of me. Take me up. 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 

Faithful in Little Things

Gen 39:3 And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. 4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. 5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. 6 And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favored.

How will you lead if you are assigned to lead in slavery or how do you manage small places under serious constraints? Joseph is overseer in captivity. This could have brought out dissatisfaction and sighs but Joseph became God’s instrument to bless the house of his captivity. This is a test and one not easy to pass. Often times we are told and know we are going through a phase and that we will indeed  soon move out of a poor situation … but our loyalty in small and restricted scenarios are very critical tests. Joseph was goodly and remained a blessing to all that encountered him. He told no one of his sad past – though he never quite forgot his pains.

There is someone reading this devotional. You think life is somewhat unfair and you are overwhelmed in your present situation … it is only a test to see if you will still remain a blessing and a giver. You may not be able to give money, but you can give praise to the unseen God, love that will not be returned, talents not applauded … a patient gentle spirit.  Pass this test and watch God move you forward. Where did Joseph learn leadership and administration? Where did he learn to lead in the culture of Egypt? Where did the experience that God leveraged in Joseph to manage the economy of Egypt come from? Do not despise the learnings and corrections appointed by God in small places. Do not say “why have I found myself in this situation?” What you need to learn now is as important for your destiny as all your learnings in the best universities. God is preparing you for His brand of greatness … different from the world’s.

Be faithful in little things … soon you will be rewarded and will fully understand why you must first be a blessing in Potiphar’s house before being a voice and a blessing to the nations. Examine your situation. Are you being tested? Can you be found quietly faithful in little things albeit in  the throes of painful conspiracy? Joseph was.

Song.

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater;

He sendeth more strength when the labors increase.

To added affliction He addeth His mercy;

To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

His love has no limit, His grace has no measure,

His pow’r has no boundary known unto men;

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,

He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,

When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,

Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

Words: Flint, Annie Johnson 1866-1932

Prayer: O Lord, teach me in all my circumstances to know and shine for you … do not despair of training me. Amen

 

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory.  We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious  because God works His marvellous agenda.   Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily.   Edited by  Bolade Apampa