Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 74

Born to Reign

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.

There is a day coming when every knee shall bow to Jesus. That is what the Bible says. It does sound somewhat unrealistic … about every man that has ever existed. Every Chinese, Indian, American, African, white or black, good or bad, every monarch, every prime minister, every dictator, every criminal, every pope, every pastor, every servant or master. Everyone will one day realize that Jesus and no one else is Lord.

We are in times when there is a dangerous teaching that says that without Christ, God will grant salvation by other means. Even Jacob wonders how all the older brethren and parents of Joseph will bow to him.

Indeed, the earthly parents will bow … all the older prophets – good and evil – that came before will bow. Jezebel will bow, Mohammed will bow, Ahab will bow … there will be no exceptions. We can ether bow now or bow later. This revelation was not welcomed and it may have been unwise for Joseph to share it.

But it is an important truth for us as we are joint-heirs with Christ. One day we shall reign with Him. How then are we to prepare if one day we shall be co-rulers sometime in God’s eternity.

The attitude of a future King will irritate those who do not understand this destiny. Have you watched all the fuss and attention that is given to future kings even when this is uncertain. Have you seen the great care in conduct not to bring the throne to shame? May God equip us to see our destiny as co-heirs with Christ then we will pay the price in self-discipline and sacrifice. Reflect this day on how your ways do not reflect well on the throne and adjustments you need to make to prepare you for monarchy in Christ. You could have the martyrs crown and your name in the book of kings … Christ being the King of kings. Will you make yourself ready?

Song.

The saints of old were beaten, tried. Condemned and even crucified.

These martyr men beat no retreat when flames were licking at their feet.

They saw the tyrant’s brandished steel, But still they offered no appeal.

They struck no bargain for their lives; For their children or their wives.

All slowly roasted in the flames while angels wrote each of their names

Within a book God calls His won to be proclaimed before His throne.

Then we shall know of these renown when each receives his martyr’s crown,

When God shall say to these “Well done” You ran the race, pressed on and won.

When in that race men said “Insane” but now I gladly own your name

Now you are home! Come dwell with Me – in my joy through all eternity.

Leonard Ravenhill

Prayer: O Lord, may I not miss my place in the throne room. Let me not miss my crown. 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 

Hated with a Passion

Gen 37:4 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. Gen 37:5 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.

The hatred for the Christian is motivated by the special love and protections available only to God’s chosen. There is good reason for it. From the beginning, the Bible says the Devil led a mutiny to protest against the authority of God resulting in being banished with an army of fallen angels. A place without any opportunity for repentance in eternal damnation now awaits them. This appears unfair. Why have ordinary men been given the opportunity to fail, rebel repetitively and then the chance to repent? Why is man so favored by God? This is a deep mystery that none has been able to unravel ? Why does God fuss so much over man ? Angels are mystified at the mercies reserved for man.

Job 7:17 What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him? Psa 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? Psa 144:3 LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him! 

Legions of demons, fallen hosts and wicked trinity of the devil, antichrist and false prophet also ask these questions but with unbridled hatred. Instructions are given from hell that man must be continually attacked to bring shame to the creator. The favored ones in Christ are to be specially hated because of the favor they enjoy.

Today, let your thoughts reflect on this hatred and what it means. The Bible says we should rejoice when we are targeted wickedly for the truth we bear as this gives testimony to our identity in Christ. The story of Joseph reveals that this hatred can have value as God used it to cause the brothers of Joseph to release him into a far more glorious destiny than would have been achieved even if he inherited all the cattle and lands of Jacob. If they knew they were helping Joseph by selling him to Ishmaelites they would not have done so. If they knew they were moving Christ forward into His glorious destiny to defeat principalities and powers and be with God in glory, Satan and his hosts would have left Him alone. We need help to react well to hatred so as not to miss the realization of great blessings especially reserved for the hated.

Instead, we must pray for our enemies conversion but also to do what God has empowered them to do … and do it quickly. Thank God that all things including things done in hatred must all work together for the good of those in Christ. If you are not in Christ, what are you still waiting for ? Come to Him today. Its all good. Remember the evidence of your divine encounter is the joy of the Lord; the choice to rejoice that can withstand even a passionate hatred and shattered dreams. Joseph did not murmur in all that he went through. Child of God, stop murmuring. God has something glorious ahead.

Song.

‘Tis mystery all the immortal dies! Who can explore His strange designs?

In vain the first born seraph tries to sound the depth of love divine!

‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore

Let angel minds inquire no more.

Words: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788

Prayer: In an environment of hostility, Joseph receives dreams of glory. Lord may I remain positioned not to miss the dreams you are giving 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 

Alone with God

Gen 37:4 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. Gen 37:5 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.

Communication is very important and the ability to interact peaceably with others is a great blessing. Joseph and his brothers could not communicate … this was perhaps because he thought and spoke like his father. It was clear that Joseph thought differently from his brothers. He shared little in common with his brothers. There was always a tension when Joseph was around but this was preordained to be so. Joseph had to be different because of his different destiny.

There was no one to speak peace to Joseph but his father. Joseph did not hate his brothers. But what Joseph missed in camaraderie with his brothers was made up by long and late evening conversations with a father that loved him dearly. There is someone reading this devotional … you have spent so much time with God and become so much like God … and that has cost you the friendship and understanding of men. You have learnt to live alone. God comforted Joseph. You have no one to talk to … but you have God … He will listen. He is waiting. He will also cause even your enemies to be at peace with you. Joseph did not have this grace. But it was part of his training and preparation. It was needful that Joseph would be hated and thrown into a pit that would move him to where he would rule and save his brothers from a famine. Meanwhile, there were to be no peaceable words for Joseph. Joseph was prepared to be forgotten in an Egyptian prison. He was accustomed to rejection and being ignored and learnt to receive harsh words without speaking back. Be still. Let God finish shaping you to be his masterpiece.  Joseph eventually lived a life that was of great benefit to his brothers, nation and the entire world, but this was only possible because he had first been alone with God. Be ever thankful always, in all situations in Him.

Jesus was also alone in his toughest moments … and was later glorified above all of creation. Jesus was scorned, derided and denied of peaceable words for us … for our salvation. Go and talk to Jesus – He does not scorn or make fun of you, instead He waits for you. Like Joseph, eventually your life will be a savour for others and salt to nations, but first you must endure being alone with your Creator.  Staying apart with God strengthens and prepares you to truly live  for others.  Today is a good day to thank God for His ways.

Song.

My song is love unknown, my Savior’s love to me;

Love to the loveless shown, that they might lovely be.

O who am I, that for my sake my Lord should take, frail flesh and die?

He came from His blest throne salvation to bestow;

But men made strange, and none the longed for Christ would know:

But O! my Friend, my Friend indeed, who at my need His life did spend.

Sometimes they strew His way, and His sweet praises sing;

Resounding all the day hosannas to their King:

Then “Crucify!” is all their breath, and for His death they thirst and cry.

Why, what hath my Lord done? what makes this rage and spite?

He made the lame to run, He gave the blind their sight,

Sweet injuries! Yet they at these – themselves displease, and ’gainst Him rise.

Words: Samuel Crossman, 1624-1683

Prayer: Lord release the grace to obey and love you in unfriendly situations. Grant this grace to your missionaries in strange lands. More grace to laborers who must serve amongst hostile brethren. 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 

Uncommon Favor

Gen 37:1 And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. 2 These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors.

Joseph is now seventeen and he walked in uncommon favor. He was not the youngest, as  Benjamin was born after him. Still he enjoyed an uncommon favor even from the beginning. He saw the evil that his brothers did and brought back the plots of his elder brethren. He was given a coat of many colors by his father Jacob. Though uncommonly favored no one had an idea of the glory ahead for Joseph. It seemed to his brothers that Joseph may inherit the wealth of their clever father or the blessings of the first son. Jacob would find some way to give him an advantage. But God knew all the wealth and substance of Jacob will be exhausted in the famine that was coming.

Be encouraged. What God has prepared ahead is far ahead of what your enemies are incensed about. There is an untouchable destiny and position that men cannot in any way pull down. The future glory that will be yours has not been exposed to your brothers. Do you see that everything man can give other men can be and will be taken away? Joseph had a preferred position given to him by Jacob in the household. He lost that to become a slave in Egypt. Joseph had a coat of many colors given to him by his doting father. He also lost that and the coat ended up torn and stained with blood to deceive his father. But there are gifts that men did not give Joseph. Joseph could see the unseen … he had an access to the secrets and wisdom of God … God gave him answers when others had questions. These were not taken from him because they could not be taken.

Rejoice if men have taken anything from you. It only reveals that men gave them to you. Instead there are gifts of faith, discernment, wisdom … talents from God for His favored servants. Even the earthy life of Jesus that came through Mary was released to be taken by the other men who crucified Him. But none could take from Jesus the position next to the father that was always His even from the beginning.

A life with Christ is a favored life not because we have no trials and we do not lose things. But because we are gifted from Heaven. If earthly fathers know how to spoil their favored sons with gifts, imagine what God who has no limitation in resources is able to do for His beloved ones. To be a Christian is to enjoy unfair advantages. Anything men have offered you pales into insignificance and one day will be taken by other men. To be a Christian is to be positioned to receive many things from God that others will not be given and that cannot be taken by men. But ponder today, what does God want in return for showering you with so many undeserved gifts? He asks us to go and share the good news. Have you gone?

Song.

And I have brought to thee, Down from my home above,

Salvation full and free, My pardon and my love.

I bring rich gifts to thee;

What has thou brought to me?

Words: Frances R. Havergal, 1858 

Prayer: O Lord help me realize the need for me to serve you even more. 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 Different Upbringing

Gen 37:1 And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. 2 These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors.

Joseph and Jacob become inseparable. While others are on the fields – Joseph has a different upbringing. Jacob is a deeply spiritual man who has learnt a lot of bitter lessons. He teaches Joseph the old truths. He explains the deep and narrow way of Jehovah, the jealous God. Joseph has a lot to learn in a very short time and is immersed at home. What Joseph knows is not the same as what his brothers know. His understanding is made different. His perspective is made completely different. Joseph was always with their father, occasionally going out but only to bring back evil reports. His brothers see him as definitely unfairly favored.

Perhaps your early upbringing is peculiar and different. Your way of looking at things is very different from others. Joseph will need his different upbringing in the pit. Joseph will need his different outlook in the house of Potiphar. Joseph will need the lessons of Jacob when forgotten in jail for two full years. The wisdom and friendship to an old man is not in vain … it will yield something different. Joseph did not have an ordinary upbringing. He was the best friend of a deeply spiritual old man. Joseph was only seventeen but had a mind that was decades ahead of the others who preferred to be in the fields than listen to an old man. But it had a reason … it all had a reason. There is a purpose to everything you have gone through. It is no coincidence that you did not fit in to play with your colleagues. Rejoice in your uniqueness. God has a special purpose for your life. Teach me to love to be with you JESUS … to love your company … to learn from you. Teach me to enjoy and appreciate my uniqueness. There were times when Joseph must have preferred to play around with others. The company of Jacob is boring but it was required for his destiny.

Be drawn closer to Jesus. Come apart and spend more time with Him for present and future strength. A time of fasting is a time of separation and consecration … to Him. You must come alone.

Song.

I come to the garden alone

While the dew is still on the roses

And the voice I hear falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

I’d stay in the garden with Him

Though the night around me be falling,

But He bids me go; through the voice of woe

His voice to me is calling.

Words: Charles Austin Miles

Prayer: O Lord draw your saints all over the world to you … to learn of you … to love 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 

God who protects Destiny

Gen 33:1 And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids. 2 And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost.

Jacob escapes from Laban but must still face Esau. How many past actions stand to haunt our future. Jacob prepares for the worst and puts Joseph behind to protect his safety. Jacob means well but he may not know that the destiny of Joseph is already secure in God. No harm can come to you because of your destiny. If they knew why Jacob came up with this arrangement, all these actions would surely have annoyed the brothers of Jacob and inflamed resentment in the family against Joseph and Jacob.

Do you know that God can arrange to have you at the back only to protect you and His destiny for your life? Do you not see that a glorious destiny needs time and care. It needs to be protected when it glows in uncertain embers and is yet to blaze as a sure flame. When old hurts and errors rage against the flame of God, God must conceal His chosen ones. Even as Jesus in infancy was hidden in Egypt from a murderous Herod … consider that your delayed emergence and times of being kept at the back could be part of God’s plan. Joseph was special and so are you. God must make you ready and prepare you to be what He has ordained. You cannot be put in situations of early risky battles and unpredictable circumstances.

Reflect on the truth that God is the ultimate sponsor and guardian of His glorious destiny in your life. A life that is not prepared and protected by God is useless to God. Joseph is a young vulnerable lad. If Esau needed a target to avenge Jacob’s deceit, Joseph would have been ideal to aim for. Those who do great things for God know that the glory must return to the one who kept them, helped them and hid them. There are no self-made Generals of God only prepared servants. Today is a day to thank God for so many unseen mercies to protect and hide you from harm. Many were sacrificed so that you would be still intact to be what God has promised you. Many are pushed ahead of you only to shield you from devastation. The one who carries Christ cannot be conquered even when He is not yet ready for certain battles – destroying temptations are kept away from him. Thank God and praise Him. Appreciate His process. Remember that when you find yourself still standing ages after others failed – it was God’s protective hand at work to preserve you. Thank Him again and again. Remember when you reign with Him. It was Him that did it all. On your own you would not have stood a chance. Joseph was preserved by God.

Song.

Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee,

Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee;

Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,

If with His love He befriend thee.

Words: Joachim Neander, 1680

Prayer: I praise you the Almighty God who defends me and causes my work to prosper. Help me never to stop praising you especially when I do not understand your strange preservations. 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 Blessings of Esau

Gen 33:1 And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids. 2 And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost.

Are we not amazed how rich Esau has become, how expanded … It seems something has gone wrong here. It was Jacob who stole the birthright. Jacob was told Esau would serve him. But watch this scene … it is Jacob that bows to Esau. Esau is so far richer and wealthier in his profanity and idolatry as Jacob wanders around frightened and uncertain of the future. It seems nothing good is going to happen good to Jacob. But God has not even started with Jacob and yet Esau already thrives.

First, a blessing obtained by tricks yields the wind. The seed was craftiness, the harvest can only be a whirlwind … but Jacob will still be blessed … but from Isaac, all he has obtained is a delusion. Esau eventually reaps the fruit of his profanity and becomes Edom a tribe destined for only desolation. Jacob meets Esau – Jacob is frightened, confused and nervous. But he should have lifted up his eyes to God who loved him even from the womb. Eventually Jacob moves beyond the profane Esau and is blessed by God … many years later at Bethel.

Gen 35:3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. 4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem. 5 And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob. 6 So Jacob came to Luz, which is in the land of Canaan, that is, Bethel, he and all the people that were with him. 7 And he built there an altar, and called the place Elbethel: because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother. 8 But Deborah Rebekah’s nurse died, and she was buried beneath Bethel under an oak: and the name of it was called Allonbachuth. 9 And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him. 10 And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel. 11 And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;

Jacob does not know that the profane Esau and his 400 men are irrelevant to his future blessing. Quickly move beyond and far from Esau. Let Esau prosper quickly if it must be so – ahead of you while you wait for your Bethel. Bethel is the place of meeting with God in truth. Hold on to the sweet name of Jesus.

Song.

How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds in a believer’s ear!

It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, and drives away his fear.

It makes the wounded spirit whole, and calms the troubled breast;

’Tis manna to the hungry soul, and to the weary, rest.

Dear Name, the Rock on which I build, my Shield and Hiding Place,

My never failing treasury, filled – with boundless stores of grace!

Words: John Newton, 1725-1807

Prayer:  Lord give us grace to wait on you and to wait for your blessing and increase. 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 

Watch your Vision

Gen 30:31 And he said, What shall I give thee? And Jacob said, Thou shalt not give me any thing: if thou wilt do this thing for me, I will again feed and keep thy flock. 32 I will pass through all thy flock to day, removing from thence all the speckled and spotted cattle, and all the brown cattle among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats: and of such shall be my hire. 33 So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me. 34 And Laban said, Behold, I would it might be according to thy word. 35 And he removed that day the he goats that were ringstraked and spotted, and all the she goats that were speckled and spotted, and every one that had some white in it, and all the brown among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of his sons.

As Josephs grows from a baby in the cradle to a little boy, Laban continues his plots to see Jacob remain enslaved. He removes from sight that which will result in the freedom of Jacob. Let us pause to examine an important principle. The Bible says, “… my people perish for lack of vision”. If we see a future glory, and catch a vision of God’s revival then we will eventually be part of these events. If we envision vanity, lusts and filth often enough … soon we will be drawn into paths that bring these ills into our lives. What are you seeing ? What has been removed from your sight?

In future verses, Jacob counters this plot by ensuring his own cattle see what they need to see so they will produce in kind. We produce not what we wish but what we see. That is why media is an extremely powerful tool for good or for bad. Youths are glued to media, internet and mobile devices, androids and a convergence of telephony, visual and digital media to bring visions in a twenty four by seven matrix mode. The future is being created by the creators of content which all will see and the removal of content that will lead to our freedoms from the chains of the culture. Pornography, violence and angst are disguised as harmless entertainment, innocent cartoons and TV games. As more view, the destiny of many are also altered accordingly.

Today know that you have a responsibility to watch what you see, for it will be your future. The power of media to keep billions enslaved in vanity must be fought by having more Godly content to flood the networks and shunning the viewing of that which does not glorify. If Laban’s plan was not countered by Jacob’s, slavery would have continued.

What is Christ urging us to see. In John 19:14 He says “Behold your King” … look up … look to Jesus. We shall eventually be like Him. We look to Jesus by looking at His word as He is the word made flesh. Jacob countered with a different strategy involving vision. You must make up your mind to start every day with the right vision founded on the word of God. Do you have a plan to complete reading the Bible in a year. Get one. Soon you will birth that which is Christ-like – a character with a renewed mind.

Song. (Chorus) 

I see the Lord(4ce)

He is high and lifted up and His train fills the temple (2ce)

The angels cry holy (3ce)

He is the Lord.

Prayer: O Lord shut down every transmission of Laban and strengthen me to behold more of your word that I may be released into a glorious destiny.

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

What shall I Give Thee?

Gen 30:31 And he said, What shall I give thee? And Jacob said, Thou shalt not give me any thing: if thou wilt do this thing for me, I will again feed and keep thy flock. 32 I will pass through all thy flock to day, removing from thence all the speckled and spotted cattle, and all the brown cattle among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats: and of such shall be my hire. 33 So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me. 34 And Laban said, Behold, I would it might be according to thy word. 35 And he removed that day the he goats that were ringstraked and spotted, and all the she goats that were speckled and spotted, and every one that had some white in it, and all the brown among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of his sons.

Laban plots an alternative destiny and asks “What shall I give thee?” This is a bribe from hell to derail your destiny. Do not receive it. Do not be tricked. Laban seeks to stop Jacob … even as the baby Joseph grows. God hides Joseph amidst all these games and Laban’s plots to hold on to Jacob. Laban is always seeking to hold on to you – to pin you down. What is at stake is the child of destiny? Do not be deceived.

Why has Laban not offered relief until Jacob resists the oppression? Jacob answers right … you shall not give me anything. In the end, the wealth that was built on the flock of Laban was completely wiped off by a future famine. Jacob should have just got up and asked for nothing but his family. With Christ you have all things … everything the enemy can give you is cursed. There is no point holding on to his gifts. In the end, you will wish you said like Abram said. Laban devices a bait – do not fall for it.

Gen 14:22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of Heaven and earth, 23 That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:

“What did Abram say?”

Song.

My hope is built on nothing less – Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand; 2ce.

When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace.

In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood, Support me in the whelming flood.

When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my Hope and Stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh may I then in Him be found.

Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.

Words: Edward Mote, 1797-1874

Prayer: O Lord destroy all the baits of Satan used to trap and deceive millions of people. Amen

 

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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 

Night or Light

Gen 30:28 And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it.29 And he said unto him, Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how thy cattle was with me. 30 For it was little which thou hadst before I came, and it is now increased unto a multitude; and the LORD hath blessed thee since my coming: and now when shall I provide for mine own house also?

Laban is a wicked trickster even as all he offers albeit disguised is eternal night. Do you know his tricks are still the same. His lies are still being used today. The devil asks you to name your wages but he knows you will pay a heavy cost. He changes his word and is full of craftiness pretending to want to help you. But, from the beginning he has always been a wicked slave master. Have you been lured to serve an agent of hell who has promised you great wages without describing full details of the cost? The true cost of serving Laban is to terminate the mission of Joseph. The real cost of serving agents of hell is to forgo a glorious destiny.

What will you have to show your creator on the appointed day of accounting? When will you begin to be what God has ordained you to be? Alas you have no answer – because you were occupied with serving for the wages of Laban. Do you not see how the fruits and cattle of Laban thrive? Is it not evident to you that the wicked continue to gain more ground and revival tarries. You are too busy serving Laban. See how increased are the trappings of worldliness. You have many assets purchased to maintain a high standard of living but all on credit. You contribute little to God’s work – while your father’s house is not cared for. You were ordained to be God’s steward and not Laban’s pawn.

Joseph is born into a controversy. Laban’s contract must be challenged and terminated because our destiny is not eternal night and Laban cannot pay enough to compensate us to forgo God’s light. Revival tarries because Laban is busy recruiting many by his baits. In this text do you notice that Laban did not pay Jacob even fair wages? Why is Jacob’s house not provided for?

Today is a day for fresh discernment. Consider every contract and commitment. Is there anything you are involved in that will cost you your destiny. If there is, know that Christ is born and He has paid the price for the cancellation and annulment of that evil covenant. Come out of every secret society, strange club or fraternity. Come out of every deal in which salvation through Christ and Christ alone is denied. It’s only a trap.

Song.

I was born to fight devils and factions. It is my business to remove obstructions,

to cut down thorns, to fill up quagmires, and to open and make straight paths.

But if I must have some failing, let me rather speak the truth with too great severity

than once to act the hypocrite and conceal the truth.

Martin Luther

Prayer: O Lord expose all the lies of Laban fashioned to trap targets into an eternal night. 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