Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 73

A Scapegoat

Gen 37:31 And they took Joseph’s coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood; 32 And they sent the coat of many colors, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son’s coat or no. 33 And he knew it, and said, It is my son’s coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces. 34 And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.

Instead of Joseph to die, another innocent kid of the goats is killed and his blood is shed instead. By this the life of Joseph is preserved and Joseph is released into his true destiny. Jesus Christ was our sin offering; like an innocent kid to replace us who deserved death. When He was crucified our distorted destiny was replaced and we are restored to a new destiny culminating in eternal joy. When Christ was crucified betrayed by Judas Iscariot, it was not known then that this was always the plan of God. In the same way, the brothers of Joseph did not know that Joseph was being sent to be the instrument of their salvation.

Many years later God will instruct Moses …

Lev 16:5 And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering. 6 And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house. 7 And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat. 9 And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the LORD’S lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering. 10 But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness. … 21 And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: 22 And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness.

Because Christ gave His life to be crucified. Our sins and iniquities have been placed on a scapegoat … who has been released far into the wilderness never to be seen. We can rejoice and know they will never be brought up ever again or ever found again. If any brings up your sin … tell them because Christ died … our iniquities and sorrows have all been carried far away.

Song.

Upon that cross of Jesus, mine eye can sometimes see

The very dying form of One who suffered there for me;

And from my smitten heart with tears two wonders I confess -

The wonders of His glorious love and my own worthlessness.

Words: Elizabeth Clephane – 1830

Prayer: O Lord, I am so unworthy … and your love is so glorious. Thank you. May your death for me not be in vain. 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 

Overwhelming Betrayal

Gen 37:25 And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. 26 And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? 27 Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content. 28 Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.

Rejoice, when the odds are overwhelming. It suggests God’s hand is close to sustain you. Betrayal is ordinarily painful, but there is no betrayal that hurts more than that of your kindred. Few are spared this tough lesson. David is inconsolable when Absalom turns against him. Our Lord Jesus is sold out by Judas Iscariot. It was Mariam, the elder sister of Moses who challenged his leadership. These battles with our own flesh and blood cannot be won and we are slow to bring out the sword of prayers against our own. Beware of covetousness, greed, lusts for power and worldly ambitions – as these are the baits of the devil to recruit his best arrows.

Joseph is handed over to Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. Christ betrayed with a kiss for thirty pieces of silver …. the souls of men have been items of negotiation for centuries. Normally it is for lucre – money that perishes and is immediately devalued even by the following week. The devil has bought many out of their destiny of life. None of us will end like Absalom or Judas…hanging dead. But do watch every transaction and check your motives. Ask yourself. Is the Lord and His cause betrayed if I benefit financially from this decision?

There is another transaction that was paid for in full and this time not with perishable currency but with the blood of Jesus. We have been purchased back from the devil by the blood of Jesus that has never lost its power – still as potent as it was thousands of years ago. The precious blood of Jesus was shed to legalize the Lordship of Christ over us. We have been freed to be sons, yet we still elect to be called “the servant of the Lord”

Gal 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Col 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you … 2Ti 2:24 And the servant of the Lord …Tit 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ …. Heb 3:5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; Jas 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, … 2Pe 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ … Jud 1:1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ.

We are devastated by betrayal when we see ourselves as free lords. Indeed we have the choice to be free, but we only come under a different yoke, if we do not take on the yoke of Christ – to be His servant. When overwhelmed with betrayal … be led back to Christ and be assured that His yoke of obedience is easy to bear.

Song.

Heir of Salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit – washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long

Words: Fanny Crosby, 1873

Prayer: O Lord, teach me to serve you as you want to be served. 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 

Holy Communion

Gen 37:25 And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. 26 And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? 27 Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content. 28 Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.

How would you describe this communion? Brothers are eating bread and drinking wine … while Joseph is in the pit. What kind of communion can we have when we have put fellow brethren in trouble?  Can God be pleased with this bread breaking? Yet do we not often sit down to break bread in communion unmindful of the troubles devised for others.

The brothers lift up their eyes and their eyes catch the rich spices, balm and myrrh and they have a better idea – to cash in on the sorrows of their brothers. Greed revises an already horrible intent to murder … but God was moving Joseph into his destiny even amidst these wicked and poisonous emotions. How wicked are the hearts of men … brothers wicked to brothers … sisters wicked to sisters … but God observes all … His plans are not disturbed in the least. Judah is the one who speaks this time … generations later, the Lion of Judah will speak for us and intercede for us before the throne of Heaven.

The Bible says the brothers are content … they are satisfied. How many have peace in evil? How many consciences are completely hardened by lust for power and position or hatred for their fellow men … even being at peace, undisturbed in the least at the harvest that such an evil seed will surely one day yield.

The most evil aspect of this communion is their disregard for the feelings of their father. They knew their father would mourn till the end of his days … but they did not care. They were completely uncaring for the feelings of their father … but again it was all the working of God’s Holy Spirit to achieve His purpose. Joseph had a different communion with the unseen God , albeit in the pit or enroute as a slave to Egypt – a Holy Communion. To be Holy is to be pure in word, deed, thought and motives …  set apart for the Master’s use. Give us more grace, Lord.

Song.

Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand,

The shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land;

A home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way,

From the burning of the noontide heat, and the burden of the day.

Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see

The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me;

And from my stricken heart with tears two wonders I confess;

The wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place;

I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face;

Content to let the world go by to know no gain or loss,

My sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross.

Words: Elizabeth C. Clephane, 1868

Prayer: O Lord, keep me holy that all may be well.  Uproot every root of bitterness, anger and hatred . 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 Pit is Dry

Gen 37:18 And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. 19 And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. 20 Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams. 21 And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. 22 And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again. 23 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colors that was on him; 24 And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.

In this devotional, reflect on the truth that God goes ahead to remove everything in the pit that could harm or drown you. A plan is hatched against Joseph and death hovers around to terminate the story. But nay. Death is not permitted to stop God’s plan. The pit is a temporary location, but God has made it a safe abode. Like Daniel in the Lion’s Den, the lions have been transformed to kittens … the viper that coiled round the arms of the Apostle Paul has been transformed to a woollen rope. The flames are not able to burn Shedrach, Meshach and Abednego.

Jacob told Rachel and Leah in Genesis 31:7 “Your father cheated me ten times (changing my wages) . But God did not permit him to harm me.” Believe this. God easily sets the limits of evil. God often times will permit us to be repeatedly thrown into environments of great danger because that aspect of our process is required for us, but He will not permit any harm to come to us.

Psa 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

The psalmist says all – without exception. But this is a promise for the righteous not for all. The righteous are in Christ. The righteous are obedient. The righteous have received grace to please God … the evidence of their righteousness and obedience is their present location … the pit. God goes ahead to make an oasis in the deserts. He makes rivers in the wilderness – the rough places plain and exalts the valleys.

A raven was once sent to feed Elijah in the barren desert, then a widow was used to preserve him. You may not know how God will preserve you through your challenges, but you are assured that He will not leave or forsake you in the pit He has led you into. Sing in the pit. Soon you will come out launched into the next stage of destiny. Look again, the pit is dry.

Song. (Chorus)

I am rejoicing my name has been written

I am rejoicing for I am born again – Hallelujah

Prayer: O Lord, thank you for always being ahead of every plan that seems set for my destruction and instead you turned them to steps for my elevation. 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 

Divine Conspiracy

Gen 37:18 And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. 19 And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. 20 Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams. 21 And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. 22 And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again. 23 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; 24 And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it

Reuben stands out to speak out that Joseph’s life be spared. Even from afar they conspired for his destruction. What kind of hatred could this be that wanted Joseph dead. But this was a supernatural situation … God wanted Joseph in a pit and prepared to be sent to Egypt. Jacob would not have released Joseph into Egypt even if a thousand angels appeared to him. God knows what to do. He would use the hatred of Joseph’s brothers to achieve His purpose.

To conspire against brethren is evil. Envy and bitterness are horrible vices before God. But this time , the conspiracy to send Joseph to the pit was needed. This scene is so much like the stripping of our Lord Jesus as our Lord is put on the cross. Again a conspiracy that God required for the salvation of all mankind. So similar to Joseph who also must suffer a wicked conspiracy that he may be used to save the entire tribe from a future famine. This is one of the earliest pictures of the passion of Christ. The helpless Joseph is not said to resist … indeed he was like a lamb that went to the slaughter … on a mission to seek after their welfare only to be attacked and thrown into a pit. Christ responded to conspiracy and hatred with love.

The Bible says that, blessed are you when you are innocent in conspiracy because of your faith.

Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in Heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

It is a rare privilege to suffer in this form for Christ. Be encouraged. God will see you through. He knows all about your struggles. But do not suffer for your own foolishness and wickedness nor respond with bitter words. Your Lord knows the way even in the wilderness.

Song. (Chorus)

My Lord knows the way in the wilderness,

all I have to do is to follow.

Prayer: O Lord, bless your missionaries in nations where Christians are brutally persecuted. Lord watch over them. Lord help us all not to abandon our posts.  Let our love for you increase even more – as persecution increases. 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 Certain Helper

Gen 37:15 And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou? 16 And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks. 17 And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.

A certain man found Joseph and not vice versa. Help has been sent ahead to assist every decision to honor and obey God. His name was not mentioned, but the Bible gives the impression that this man was also sent to locate Joseph to help him. Who is this man in our walk of faith?

Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

The Holy Ghost, sent by the Father in the name of Jesus Christ, knows the right ways and paths and must be sent to the poor wanderer in need of comfort. The Holy Ghost knows the path of obedience and will be there to locate you and give you all the comfort and help that you require to come back. Like Joseph, you may be full of doubts concerning the awkward assignment you suddenly find yourself in and wonder where help and comfort will come. The Omniscience of God is revealed through the counsel of the Holy Ghost. No wonder, Christ warns His disciples to go and wait in the upper chamber until the day of visitation of the Holy Ghost.

Many things are done without the Holy Ghost but they are not just often fruitless but do not lead to the glory prepared ahead. We must praise and thank God, because the glorious destiny designed for our life is also fully helped by God Himself. No one will achieve anything close to the preplanned glory – without the certain man. Did you notice that it seemed that this man only ushered Joseph into more troubles and indeed many suggest Joseph may have been delivered from the pit if he had missed the certain man. It would have been a wrong deliverance to be rescued from the help of the Holy Ghost to die to self and our schemes. Still many have embraced this deliverance and rejoice in a great folly.

Reflect on this devotional to establish that you walk with the direction of the Holy Ghost. You need to be more than familiar with scripture to know that the Holy Ghost will not deny the word of God which asks us to also test the spirits if they be of God. Also, when the Holy Ghost asks “what seekest thou?” … the answer will not be that you seek your selfish wants and desires but first and foremost, the salvation of your brothers and not their destruction. Help did not come to Joseph to be connected to the path of his destiny until he got this answer right. The Holy Ghost is still asking before repositioning you for greatness. “What seekest thou?” … do you seek fame, gains and breakthrough alone? Power  to be victorious will come if our agenda is right.  God waits to help the one who seeks the salvation of the lost.

Song.

Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord; Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word;

Once His gift I wanted, Now, the Giver own; Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.

Once it was my working, His it hence shall be; Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me;

Once the pow’r I wanted, Now the Mighty One; Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone.

Words: Albert B. Simpson, 1904 

Prayer: O Lord, as I refocus on lost souls and my divine assignments. Send divine help to comfort and guide 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 

No more Wandering

Gen 37:15 And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou? 16 And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks. 17 And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.

To wander is to lose your way and be heading not in the direction you intended, to move aimlessly in no definite direction. How many of us wander? In ministry we can wander? We can wander in our business pursuits? Our so called walk with God can in reality be nothing but wanderings? May God help us. We mean well … but alas we only wander. Joseph was anointed … a child of destiny sent and who went obediently but soon found himself wandering. But do not despair, just as God did not leave Joseph to continue in his wanderings … you will not be left alone to just wander aimlessly. But it is better than to be disobedient in refusing to go the long distance uncertain of the journey. God will lead you, God will help you. God will guide you. God will locate you.

Joseph was not used to the field … he was a man of the home … he understood the depths, valleys and mountains of his father’s thoughts but did not know the way to the fields … nor was he accustomed with the route and ways of his brethren. Do you know that you cannot have it all? The one who is close to God and buried in His word will sacrifice familiarity with other things. He is powerful and yet so vulnerable. He is strong and yet so weak. He is a man who must depend on the helper – the Holy Spirit. He cannot depend on the Holy Spirit for certain things and for others lean on his understanding. On the field without help from the God he knows … he is often found wandering. Many children of God are said to be earthly useless. This is not so, but they are not self-made they are God made and God dependent. They do not go without help from God … they must be helped by the Holy Spirit or they will be drifting foolishly of no use to God or men. Holy Spirit, help our wanderings.

Song.

Spirit divine, attend our prayer,

And make our heart Thy home;

Descend with all Thy gracious power;

Come, Holy Spirit, come.

Come as the light! to us reveal

The truth we long to know;

Reveal the narrow path of right,

The way of duty show.

Come as the dew, and sweetly bless

This consecrated hour;

May barrenness rejoice to own

Thy fertilizing power.

Words: Andrew Reed, 1829 

Prayer: O Lord, help us to depend always on 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 

Who shall I send ?

Gen 37:12 And his brethren went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem. 13 And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I. 14 And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.

Jacob still missed his sons – as mischievous as they may have been.  Like the father of the prodigal son, God awaits and pines for reconciliation with His own. Do not for a minute imagine that God has adjusted to the fact that we are in sin. He is not. Rather, He wants us back home with Him. Jacob sent Joseph to find out the situation and confirm that all was well with his sons. They must have delayed in their return and he wondered if they were fine. God loves you even in your wanderings and misses you. He sent Christ His only begotten son to be crucified for us, to seek us out and save us. Christ was not welcomed by the Jews just as Joseph was despised. Concerning Christ, the Bible says He was despised and rejected, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Joseph was accustomed to the poor treatment constantly received in the hands of his brothers. Yet, he says … yes … here I am.  Father, send me.

God seeks who He will send to troubled situations, to the wanderer He misses and needs to return home.  But the journey of spreading the gospel is also the journey that links to destiny. Refusing to respond to the call to go and remain in places we are not welcome does not permit other important events that must happen. If Joseph had presented an excuse claiming the distance was far and dangerous, saying he was unsure of their location etc. then Joseph may have died in Israel a nobody.  Ponder over these thoughts and you will understand the real cost of disobedience.

Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel and others heard this call and went. David was sent with provisions for his brothers in battle … he was taunted and abused as he arrived. But this errand introduced him to his famous encounter with Goliath the gateman at his destiny to be king. The pattern is repeated over and over again. The entrance to destiny is disguised as a tough call that most will normally decline. How will you respond? Do not judge the call of God only by prevailing circumstance for you do not know what the next moment brings.

The words “Here am I – send me” will push you farther in the right direction and deliver you from more wanderings and bondage than a billion other prayers.  Remember David said “Is there not a cause?”. Although he had already obeyed Jesse to go to his brothers before he eventually perceived the cause. There is a reason, there is a cause attached to your destiny. Soon you will discover it. Go first … the cause comes later. Obedience to God is so much superior … better than any sacrifice or expression of devotion.

Song (Chorus) 

Lead me Lord, I will follow. Lead me I will go

You have called me. I will answer. Lead me Lord, I wil go.

Prayer: Lord, help me to hear and respond appropriately and obediently to your call. Indeed, obedience is the key that unlocks my future destiny. 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 

Is it well?

Gen 37:12 And his brethren went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem. 13 And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I. 14 And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.

Is it well with you? Does God really care? Is God some distant super being that is not touched by our failings? David wrote so many poems to express his great surprise on how and why God cares so much for mankind. David knew how wicked all of humanity was. Still, God misses our company and is saddened by our wanderings. He is grieved by our disobedience and scandals. God forgives us when he has all the evidence of our misdeeds while men hate us just out of speculations.

Is it well with you? How will you answer that question. Perhaps you will answer based on your memories and disappointments or you will answer based on the present challenges you face or you will answer thinking about a bill that cannot be paid or you will let someone answer for you. In this story, from the perspective of God … everything was okay. All his plans were about to happen as He had planned it would be. As far as God was concerned all was well … it will soon be time for Joseph to be sent to Egypt … as a slave … to be sold to the house of Potiphar. Has your destiny been tampered with? Is it well?

Is it well with you? How is your faith? How is your prayer life? How is your family life? How is your marriage? How is your ministry? Is it well with your nation? How do you know when it is well? It seems when God’s purpose is intact and the child of destiny is exactly where he should be … then it is well. God dwells in eternity and declares it is well with the righteous but not to the wicked. If you are not on the path to Heaven, then it is not well. Let the word of God search your heart. Present challenges or circumstances do not suffice to conclude on wellness.  Instead check if you are in Christ, still dependent and trusting in Him.  if so, then it is well. If not, you can do something about it.

Isa 3:10 Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. 11 Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

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.

Though we pass through tribulation. All will be well,

Ours is such a full salvation; All, all is well.

Happy, still in God confiding, Fruitful, if in Christ abiding,

Holy, through the Spirit’s guiding, All must be well.

We expect a bright to-morrow; All will be well,

Faith can sing through days of sorrow, All, all is well.

On our Father’s love relying, Christ our every need supplying,

Whether living now, or dying, All must be well.

Words: Mary B. Peters(1847) 

Prayer: Lord, controller of the universe – as we dwell in Jesus – our righteousness, let all be well with 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 

Rebuked

Gen 37:10 And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth? 11 And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

Joseph was rebuked by his father. Many times we must be rebuked for going ahead of our timing. We must be rebuked for saying things we have not been told to say. Many things that are true are not yet to be said. And for many messages the timing is not right. May God help us to have seasoned speech that will not create unnecessary tensions. Joseph was rebuked by a father that loved him deeply. There are many times that God must rebuke His beloved children. When last did you sense the rebuke of your father? We are not told that Jacob rebuked his other children … not even once. It seems that they were all fine … but there is a record of Jacob rebuking Joseph. We are not even told that when Joseph reported his brothers that Jacob rebuked them. Indeed, it is strange that there is no other reported instance of Jacob rebuking any of his other sons.

Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

Joseph endured the rebuke of his father. Rebuke and chastening is a sign of love. When it is mentioned in this remarkable way … it only indicates a greater love that Jacob has for Joseph. It is not always so easy to endure chastening … and scourging is painful. But this is the evidence of son-ship. You cannot be allowed to stray out of destiny. You are different and must be sternly rebuked when you miss your timing …your tongue must indeed first and foremost be trained. We must learn silence until God by His Spirit tells us to speak. Jacob knew Joseph had a lot to learn. He knew his words were too unguarded. Jacob saw the reaction to Joseph’s words and pretended to be very tough – silencing Joseph very sternly. But the Bible says he observed the words. He did not dismiss the words of Joseph as nonsense although he spoke harshly to Joseph in the presence of his brothers. May God give us wisdom. When were you rebuked last? Did you take it well? It was wise that you were strongly and openly rebuked while others are not. You are different.

Song.

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me,

Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.

Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,

Darkness be over me, my rest a stone.

Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God to Thee.

There let the way appear, steps unto Heav’n;

All that Thou sendest me, in mercy given;

Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee.

Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,

Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise;

So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee.

Words: Sarah F. Adams, William Johnson Fox, 1841

Prayer: O Lord, strengthen your saints at times when the Lord ordains rebuke and chastening. 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