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We can learn from the example of Isaac on how to respond to some of the challenges and come out even stronger in tough periods.  There  was a famine which was the closest thing to a meltdown in Bible times…a time of agricultural disaster.  What can we learn from Isaac? Read the entire chapter of Genesis 26.  Some excerpts follow:

Genesis 26 [12]  Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him. [13]  And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: [14]  For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him. [15]  For all the wells which his father’s servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth. [16]  And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we. [17]  And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.

1. Do not go down to Egypt – trust in the Lord of the covenant.  Egypt symbolizes willingness to get wealth by any means, in other words the ways of the world. We are greatlytempted to abandon righteousness and do whatever we think is necessary to survive – a great mistake made by many Christians today.  If we are willing to listen to God, who is acutely aware of our condition, He will direct us just as He directed Isaac to “ dwell where I tell you to dwell” ( verse 3).  God’s admonitions against depending on Egypt echoes through scripture to His chosen people Israel. 

Isaiah 30[1]Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: [2]  That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! [3]  Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.

2. Do not be afraid to sow in the famine.  This is a tough act of faith that perhaps is the only way to establish to God that you truly believe the rains are in His hands and He is your source and has riches in glory to bless you. Many imagine they have no choice but to consume their seed in famine – but this only guarantees a future destruction.  Others mock the scriptures on sowing as only a deception to rob the already disadvantaged.  But this was Isaac’s main lever in the land of famine … and soon we are told he waxed great. Pray concerning your seed and always look to God for harvest and no man.

3. Do not underestimate God’s ability and grace over you. Isaac, out of fear, resorted to deception (Gen 26 :6-10) because he was afraid that his wife’s beauty would make him a target of the envious.  Trust God and work hard, and do not be fearful of success making you a target.  Base your actions on the fear of God alone and not the fear of man. Beware of being tempted to resort to deception… and if you have done this, go to God and repent. God was merciful to Isaac. Many err in this area. Do not lean on your own understanding.  God can take care of you.

4. Do not strive with men, even if your success makes you a  target for strife as it typically can in times of general difficulty.  This is perhaps one of the most difficult things to learn.  if  you truly trust God, you will know that prosperity is determined by Him. Isaac was forced to move because of His prosperity.  He would dig wells and others will show up to claim the fruit of His hardwork.  Amazingly instead of fighting  them, he simply moved on and started again elsewhere.  Eventually, his enemies could not resist his success and they came to make peace with him because God’s favour on his life was evident to all.  Instead of obsessing about those (real and imagined) who are out to stop your progress, concentrate on serving God and obeying his voice. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood”.  Learn to release issues and matters and not get locked in strife i.e. by moving on knowing God knows best.  This is not cowardice but often requires greater courage. Do not defend yourself or attempt to prove yourself…this can be a subtle idolatory.  Let God prove you and advertise your innocence – though this often takes a very much longer process.

5. Do not use your success to settle scores.  Isaac could have repaid the people of Gerar in kind for their bad behaviour towards him.  Instead he accepted their peace offer and even hosted them to a feast.  Alas, during hardship, some people you trusted may wrong you or disappoint you.  Do not respond in kind when you are now successful and thriving, even if they do not see or acknowledge their fault.  Paul said “do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good” and “render to no man evil for evil”.

Most of us have not done as well as Isaac.  It is well … still go to God even if like a prodigal son.  Remember, it is not by our power nor is it by might but by His Spirit so let His Holy Spirit have His way.  Walking in your own strength is a sure recipe to fall – eventually…and remember to give all glory to God.

Bode

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It is not remotely the Nobel Prize for Literature…but still a little cloud arising out of the sea…

I Kings 18 [44]  And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand.

USABookNews.com, the premiere online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses, announced the winners and finalists of THE NATIONAL “BEST BOOKS” 2009 AWARDS (NBBA) on October 20, 2009. Over 500 winners and finalists were announced in over 140 categories covering print and audio books. Awards were presented for titles published in 2009 and late 2008.

Jeff Keen, President and CEO of USABookNews.com, said this year’s contest yielded an unprecedented number of entries, which were then narrowed down to over 500 winners and finalists.

Keen says of the awards, now in their seventh year, “The 2009 results represent a phenomenal mix of books from a wide array of publishers throughout the United States. With a full publicity and marketing campaign promoting the results of NBBA, this year’s winners and finalists will gain additional media coverage for the upcoming holiday retail season.”

Winners and finalists traversed the publishing landscape: Simon & Schuster, Penguin, W.W. Norton, Revell, McGraw-Hill, John Wiley & Sons, Thomas Nelson, American Cancer Society, Greenleaf Book Group, Sourcebooks & hundreds of independent houses contributed to this year’s outstanding NBBA competition. Keen adds, “NBBA’s success begins with the enthusiastic participation of authors and publishers and continues with our distinguished panel of industry judges who bring to the table their extensive editorial, PR, marketing, and design expertise.”

USABookNews.com is an online publication providing coverage for books from mainstream and independent publishers to the world online community. USABN Magazine Online is the monthly electronic magazine e-mailed free to a large cross-section of the book buying public. JPX Media, in Los Angeles, California, is the parent company of USABookNews.com.

A complete list of the winners and finalists of the USABookNews.com National “Best Books” 2009 Awards are available online at http://www.USABookNews.com.

Wealth out of Ashes, a must-read for anyone seeking answers and a new mind on Wealth and Prosperity matters, was selected as an Award-Winning Finalist in the Religion : Christian Inspiration category of the National Best Books 2009 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News.

Thanks again to you all for the support that made this possible.

To God be the Glory.

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Isaiah 54: [2]  Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;

Discover a new capability to address spiritual hunger and spread truths of God to millions – inexpensively, without large staff/infrastructure or resources and also without  a massive supporting network organisation. The internet offers the speed, scale and the simplicity to stretch in completely new terrains and reach new peoples in record times.

All that seems to be needed is basic interest in Technology (you do not have to be a techie) and a decent internet connection…and of course a passion for God and the gospel.  Is it not wonderful – the endless possibilities for the gospel to be made available to people all over the world…especially to previously unreached civilisations?  How about a new tool to catalyse the much needed awakening amongst comatose believers which also spreads the truths of Godliness and repentance with viral speed – bringing about the much talked about Revival we have been longing and praying for years to see.

The Great Commission is indeed going digital… a new term “Internet Evangelism” has come to stay…a new ministry of Internet Evangelists emerged.  Just a few minutes on the laptop on the plane or in the hotel room can result in an article sent around the world that can move someone closer to God somewhere in the unknown corners of the globe.  Prayer points can be gathered and acted upon from an aching soul somewhere typing an outpouring of her grief and burdens in a comment.  Comforts can be ministered and just-in-time to the hurting. Internet publishers find and send messages to wherever it is needed while content managers find articles and use them to develop even richer content.

So what is God asking us to do?

First, the internet digital channel must be soaked in prayers. We must pray. “Let the Holy Spirit illuminate hearts with the message of truth. Let the message come alive and let it deliver, bless and empower. Let the new Internet Evangelists receive their new commissions with fresh zeal, divine empowerment and boldness.”  We must pray that the Holy Spirit will mobilise His Internet Evangelists with rich persuasive and anointed material and revelation that will usher millions out of darkness to marvelous light.

But there are also many dangers.  Evil is being proclaimed at the rooftops and called good and good called evil. Darkness is termed light and light darkness…More darkening counsel is now so pervasive and seductive becoming a subtle blocker –  highly effective in insulating the mind even further against empowering truth.  The message that there is no absolute truth may have found the perfect tool to propagate anything and everything.  Everyone can now be “the angel Gabriel” with a message of conception. Therefore there must be prayer as Isaiah prayed…to frustrate the counsel of the ungodly.

Isaiah 5: [20]  Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Intercessors must cry out and declare Proverbs 19[21]  There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

All other counsel must come to nought. Do not assume the digital revolution will push the gospel message by default.  More likely – without prayers, it will obscure and confuse issues and build fresh walls against the gospel…so we must pray…and NOW.

We must not just pray but diligently embrace the digital revolution and flood the media with the gospel…preaching  more of Jesus and His message of salvation rather than ourselves and our persuasions…lest we fall into the common traps of previous movements.

Bode is also author of new Christian Book Wealth out of Ashes .

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The following links are to some more of my published material in Ezine articles that reflect further on the issues…Be blessed as you meditate on the word of God and the brief messages …

Involve the family in Recession-proof living and changes are ofcourse easier when we carry the home along.  Below is a picture of my wife, Bimbo and kids, Dolapo, Tosin and Mayowa.

We have Hidden assignments that are especially crucial in the immediacy of execution especially in times of Recession. Christians must arise with a sense of destiny at this time. Read more …

There are important steps without which little changes.  Debt is a major issue and must be tackled from a Christian perspective.  This means we have to adjust and leave certain habits and company.  Read more on leaving the swine…

There are also some considerations that could help you change your mindset to a God-centred mind-set…Discover these important considerations… as well as more practical tips…Read more tips for the Recession-proof Christian life…(Simply click the underlined text to advance to articles)

If you have not read my book  “Wealth out of Ashes” …you should for more on debt-free living.

Enjoy the Youtube video …

Discover how a review of management ethics and values driven by Christian spiritual perspective has led to original insights into the Global Economic crises and a unique view on Wealth and Prosperity Matters based on the Bible. Wealth out of Ashes is a must read for anyone in trouble as it offers hope and reveals opportunities for us to emerge even stronger out of the current economic crises. It also contains practical instructions to restoring financial discipline and order in business and personal life for those ready for a new mind on “Wealth” matters. This book “Wealth out of Ashes”can make your Christian life “Recession proof”.

For more articles click below;

Remain blessed …always.

Bode Ososami