Olabode Ososami's Blog, page 8
October 26, 2015
Great Sacrifices
Nehemiah 12:43 Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.
Joyful giving is a rare grace. You will know when God’s work of revival is progressing well not by words or professions but by spontaneous acts of sacrificial giving with great joy. The concept of giving has been misunderstood by many and even abused by others …but true children of God are a joyful people … they are also a giving people.
Can you remember when you last offered great sacrifices rejoicing? Many would think they have lost out by their giving …especially when they do not perceive God. But spiritual walls are being erected to protect our souls … destinies are being helped. We do not bribe God with God nor are we investing in God for a return – this is the very opposite of joyful sacrificial giving. Instead we find that we are releasing our time, hopes and substance without any pushing or prodding for God to use as He pleases. Then we forget the seed …only to see that it always returns …always with a harvest.
It may take a while to sense that God rewards our seed … sometimes it takes decades …but great sacrifices joyfully given to God will provoke God’s pleasure. I am not talking about people being pushed to give beyond their means and their faith – but a giving that astounds even the receiver. The widows’s last meal or Hannah dedicating her son completely for God’s use … did we not read that these women were especially blessed with a rare fruitfulness?
Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again
Verses for further meditation
Philipp 4:18; Hebrews 11:14
Thoughts for Business and the work place
The giver is always on top – even in business.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, teach me to give joyfully.
As Nehemiah’s wall was built, so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts. I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.
To subscribe to the devotional, please enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.
Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.
October 25, 2015
Loud Singing
Nehemiah 12:42 And Maaseiah, and Shemaiah, and Eleazar, and Uzzi, and Jehohanan, and Malchijah, and Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang loud, with Jezrahiah their overseer.
Shouting and loud singing is frowned at in some cultures. But when you visit a football match, you see quickly in all cultures that the shouting side is the winning side. Shouting and loud singing express your faith that walls are coming down …victories are in the horizon and that you cannot but be on top always. The victim does not sing aloud … but Paul and Silas in jail sang so loud that everyone heard them. Let your faith sing loudly so that all will hear. In social media and whatever you are involved, let your assurance in God sing so loud that all marvel at your confidence. The shouting side is the confident side. In whom is your confidence … if it is in God, the creator of the universe, then let your shout be loud to reflect this.
On the contrary, the grave is a quiet place, a funeral can be so quiet that you can hear a needle drop. Fear and silence are related … There are times when you must not stay silent … make instead a joyful noise to the Lord … let the enemy of your soul know that you may be down but certainly not defeated. It may not be in singing, or in shouting …but you can make your presence felt so that your blessed assurance in the almighty God can be an infectious spirit causing others to want to know how you do it – even when others are quiet.
Remember, the shouting side is the winning side …God’s side.
Joshua 6:5 And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him.
Verses for further meditation
1 Samuel 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:16
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Be enthusiastic about what you are doing
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, do not permit the enemy to silence my shouting voice and zeal.
As Nehemiah’s wall was built, so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts. I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.
To subscribe to the devotional, please enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.
Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.
October 24, 2015
Priests with Trumpets
Nehemiah 12:41 And the priests; Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Michaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;
The trumpet is meant to give a clear sound. The sounds are not random nor are they for entertainment. They are meant to alert the people who are expected to respond accordingly.
1Co_14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
The Bible teaches that we are His kingdom of priests. We must know what we believe and send out a clear message on what we stand for and what we are fighting against. Our battle with satan and his hosts is a frontal attack on evil doctrine, worldliness and the flesh. We cannot afford to be vague or be unsure of our convictions or we are already defeated.
In the market place, we should not fear having strong positions on ethics, or fear being perceived as contrarian to what offends our faith. Let people know what you stand for and you will be better positioned for a victorious testimony. Do you not see the confidence of the devil’s agents and their new found courage in pushing ideals that only a few years ago were anathema. Is it not because you are too quiet to let people know what you agree or disagree with.
Do not be overwhelmed by the culture. Let your voice be heard for God, and clearly too. Ask God to help you be what you believe His word says you are.
Verses for further meditation
Ezekiel 7:14; Joshua 6:4
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Be not afraid of the volume of your opposition to the culture. Let your voice be heard
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, help me to be a witness of your truth in a culture that disdains it
As Nehemiah’s wall was built, so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts. I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.
To subscribe to the devotional, please enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.
Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.
October 23, 2015
The House of God
Nehemiah 12:40 So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me:
The house of God represents the sanctuary where God is thought to dwell knowing that no human construction will ever contain God. Several pictures of God living in a house are in scriptures to let us see that God wants vessels that will carry His presence.
Reflect on the following scriptures …
1Co_3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
1Co_6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own
In Nehemiah, this verse reminds us of three vital things. First we should be full of thanksgiving. This is continually repeated all through this chapter. Also in us is the Spirit of service, to serve God as Nehemiah represents. And thirdly, the Spirit of God in us is a ruling Spirit. It comes to tell us what to do, not to be ordered around by us.
Reflect on these things. They will help you as you are built spiritually and as you face daily challenges. Remember who is ruling and in control and you will not give room to your passions and temper. Consider that God’s agenda can be served in the board room as well as in evangelism. Be careful not to let your body, God’s temple be defiled.
Verses for further meditation
2 Corinthians 6:16; Rev 7:15
Thoughts for Business and the work place
God wants us to look after our body as His temple. We represent Him in our ventures …people should see God through us. Be thankful.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, help me to walk in the realization that I am your temple. Amen
As Nehemiah’s wall was built, so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts. I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.
To subscribe to the devotional, please enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.
Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.
October 22, 2015
Prison Gate
Nehemiah 12:39 And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.
The procession continues until they reach the prison gate. Here they stood still. There are few saints that will escape physical or spiritual prisons. Thanksgiving will open the prison gates. Do you recall when Paul and Silas were put in prison ?
Act 16:23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
Thanksgiving unleashes the earthquakes of heaven that set captives free to obey and please God. Are you bound in any situation that has enchained your life, entangling your progress. Appoint periods of regular thanksgiving – not as a formula, but prayerfully cultivating the right heart of thanksgiving. Many say they believe God, but are so full of their own ideas and can’t wait to set them in motion. But even in freedom, we are to be still – because we need to hear God and know what He expects of us.
Standing still tells God that we trust Him, we are waiting on Him and that we can lean on His word. When a heart of thanksgiving stands still i.e. trusts Him in the prison gate, God leads with His great hosts …defeating His enemies and reviving hearts beyond what our efforts could ever do. Learn about God’s stillness.
Psalm 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Verses for further meditation
2 Chronicles 20:17; Ruth 3:18
Thoughts for Business and the work place
There are things God will do only when we come with a heart of thanksgiving and are still before Him.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, help me to be still – to trust you more. Amen
As Nehemiah’s wall was built, so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts. I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.
To subscribe to the devotional, please enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.
Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.
October 21, 2015
Thanksgiving first
Nehemiah 12:38 And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall;
David said “I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart” … how do you propose to come before God. There are days of early beginning when matters look very scattered …and you do not feel like thanking God … but these are the very days when you need to do so. For Nehemiah, these were early beginnings …the structures were just skeletal … barely there. But what you see in the physical is built by that which has been completed in the Spirit.
Our physical effort, organization and loyalty are important building blocks to our physical restoration – but the spiritual work must be done first. Thanksgiving is the expression of faith when we see little …the building in the spiritual which eventually translates to the physical is done mainly with thanksgiving.
“Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously;
Horse and rider he has thrown into the sea.”
Observe the great songs of thanksgiving of Miriam, Moses, of Hannah …of Mary … these songs were inspired after great moves of God, but more importantly they ushered in future awesome periods of reconstruction and mighty spiritual and physical restoration for the people of God. The Holy Communion must always be led with thanksgiving … Christ gave thanks and broke bread. The inexplicable value in giving thanks is one of God’s deep mysteries
It is vital for God’s people to know that God finishes His victory even before we see it beginning. Thanksgiving is the realization and expression of that understanding. Go and thank God for the little cloud … it will soon be a mighty downpour.
Verses for further meditation
Matthew 26:27; Rev 11:17
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Find something to thank God for every day.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, help me see the great triumphs you have already accomplished in my life. Amen
As Nehemiah’s wall was built, so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts. I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.
To subscribe to the devotional, please enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.
Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.
October 20, 2015
Procession of Thanksgiving
Nehemiah 12:37 And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.
A procession of the company that gave thanks went up the stairs of the city of David. There will be another procession someday. The procession of the saints up to be with Christ. I discern that the thankful will be in this coming assembly. What does it mean to be thankful? To be thankful is to be contented. To be thankful is to see the good hand of God in all dealings. To be thankful is to appreciate the daily grace of God upon our lives. We fell we ought to thank God for the rare deliverance from a pressing disaster, but God wakes us up in the morning. He makes the sun to rise, the air we breathe and even the dew that drops come from Him. Have we thanked Him that when we open our eyes we see …or that we can hear the birds singing.
Rather than thank God, we dwell on our fleshly desires. We pant for what God has given another and strive to outdo each other … we worry and seek for things we do not have. God knows us well, and He who clothes the flowers and the lilies in the valley knows exactly how we should be cared for…
There is a grace to be thankful to God, that causes us to never forget that if it had not been the Lord on our side …we would have been finished.
Gratitude is the hallmark of God’s jewels. Parading the thankful, singing praises before Him gives God far more pleasure than most would think. Nehemiah sought for a company that gave thanks and made them walk up the stairs …singing, thanking God or just being there assembled with a heart of thanksgiving … God hears even the songs in their heart that they do not sing.
Lev_22:29 And when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the LORD, offer it at your own will.
Verses for further meditation
Col 4:2; 1 Timothy 4:4
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Even in business, be grateful for God’s mercies … keep an attitude of thanksgiving before God. Many would love to be where you are. Stop complaining
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, may thanks never cease from my lips. Give me a thankful heart. Amen
As Nehemiah’s wall was built, so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts. I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.
To subscribe to the devotional, please enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.
Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.
October 19, 2015
Instruments of David
Nehemiah 12:35 And certain of the priests’ sons with trumpets; namely, Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Michaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph: 36 And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.
God gives an important clue on musical instruments. God will be praised … but not with anything. These were music instruments that were used in the time of David and they were referred to here as Musical instruments of David … as though David had some right to them. God will not be worshipped with anything that just makes music …which spirit is associated with the instrument that is being used. Is it the Spirit of David or is it another Spirit.
We have seen recent worship copy worldly musicians and their instruments and make joyful noise unto the Lord. But what kind of music is this music …whose spirit is behind the instrument. We love and use the organ because we know the fruits of men of God like Wesley and Isaac Watts who used and composed …we can say …they praised with the organ of Wesley or the piano of Watts …meaning the instruments with which these men of God ministered. But that rock sound …whose fruit have you seen and can you say the musical instrument of Jimi Hendrix or the guttery voice of Bruce Springsteen will be acceptable to God?
We are in an era of all manners of instruments … let God speak to you and reveal the Spirit behind the style, instrument or rhythm … is it a Spirit that can be associated with men of God ? That reggae sound …watch . Whose is it?
Verses for further meditation
Eccle 2:8; 1 Chron 16:42
Thoughts for Business and the work place
There is a spirit behind every invention and instrument … behind every idea. Ask God to reveal it to you.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, let my worship be acceptable to you. Amen
As Nehemiah’s wall was built, so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts. I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.
To subscribe to the devotional, please enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.
Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.
October 18, 2015
After Them
Nehemiah 12:32 And after them went Hoshaiah, and half of the princes of Judah, 33 And Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam, 34 Judah, and Benjamin, and Shemaiah, and Jeremiah,
Waiting our turn can be sometimes too dull and unbearable especially for those who lack self-control. The other half had to wait for the first half. God may give instructions to one – but asks the other half to wait. Waiting on God can be tough … but it is often needed. God keeps one waiting for years for His pleasure, only to suddenly speak with a command to move, when the right time comes. Again, the names are mentioned …God is specific in His dealings. What He tells one differs from how He plans to use another. God must be supreme in timing as well as in the nature of His instruction.
The timing of God is also linked to God’s way of defeating evil. Elijah and Elisha are timed to start their ministry when Ahab and Jezebel arises… Daniel is timed to be born and go to exile in the time of Nebuchadnezzar and Darius. The timing of your coming out is to address a different challenge.
Imagine what would have happened if Hannah’s children had come before Peninnah’s … or if Jesus came before John the Baptist…. Enjoy obedience.
Psa_39:7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
Verses for further meditation
Psalm 62:5; Galatians 5:5
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Patience must be imbibed … it is critical to pleasing God.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, How I need your patience … daily. Amen
As Nehemiah’s wall was built, so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts. I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.
To subscribe to the devotional, please enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.
Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.
October 17, 2015
Divine Preparations
Nehemiah 12:31 Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks, whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate:
When we choose to dedicate ourselves unto the Lord, we must first seek to know what God wants and how He desires to be honored. We observe in preparations that there is a careful attention to detail. God does not want to be worshipped anyhow. Here Nehemiah appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks. Two not three … those who gave thanks and not those who prayed… they also went to a specific location, the dung gate. Nehemiah must have heard clear instructions from God and therefore responded accurately. Such obedience is the key to all preparations in dedicating anything to God.
How God wants a total obedience to Him. His instructions must not be creatively varied or improved upon. Note that the princes of Judah were chosen … Judah means praise. God is faithful to do what He promises when we honor Him with simple acts of obedience to His word. God wants us to worship Him in Spirit and in truth. He has prescribed the fast that He wants … Remember the safety of any who flies a plane depends on very close adherence to the instructors of the flight instructor. Often on the plane our senses deceive us and we think we are going right when we actually are drifting left. If we follow our hunches on what God wants we will often be wrong … His ways are not our ways, we must never forget that.
Lord, teach me to obey you fully.
Verses for further meditation
Deut 27:10; Philemon 1:21
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Give attention to details as revealed in God’s word. God created us to be instructed and guided by Him.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, teach me obedience that is complete. Amen
As Nehemiah’s wall was built, so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts. I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.
To subscribe to the devotional, please enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.
Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.
