Dare to be a Daniel

Posted on August 4, 2010 by Bode Ososami

Daniel 11:32Daniel 11:32
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. corrupt: or, cause to dissemble

WP-Bible plugin “The people that do know their God shall be strong”

(Zac Poonen originally published this post under the title “Don’t be afraid of being Slandered.“)

“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” (Rev. 2:8-11Rev. 2:8-11
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; ⁹ I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. ¹⁰ Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. ¹¹ He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

WP-Bible plugin)

The church in Smyrna faced the “blasphemy of those who say they are Jews” (Rev. 2:9Rev. 2:9
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

WP-Bible plugin). Slander is something that all of God’s faithful children have to face. Notice here that the slander and opposition that this church was facing was from those who called themselves God’s people – “those who say they are Jews, but are not, but are a synagogue of Satan” (Rev. 2:9Rev. 2:9
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

WP-Bible plugin).

Those Jews were religious people, who studied their Bibles (Genesis to Malachi). Yet the Lord called them “a synagogue of Satan”, because they were hypocrites. That is why they persecuted the true disciples of Jesus.

Many a synagogue that was started by God-fearing Jews degenerated into a synagogue of Satan over a period of time. In the same way, many churches that were started by God-fearing believers, have also degenerated into “churches of Satan”, in God’s eyes, today.

Opposition for the true disciples of Jesus today, comes not just from heathen religions (which is understandable), but also from “those who say they are Christians, but who are not, but are a church of Satan”.

Today, if we said that a so-called Christian “church” was “a church of Satan”, many would accuse us of being un-Christlike. But they forget that it was Jesus Himself Who rebuked Peter saying “Get behind Me, Satan” (Mt.16:23), and that it was Jesus Who called this group of religious people “a synagogue of Satan”. He would use exactly the same strong language today to rebuke “churches” that have drifted from their calling.

Jesus warned His disciples, “They will make you outcasts from the synagogue; but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God. And these things they will do, because they have not known the Father, or Me.” (Jn.16:2,3).

What He said then that the people in a synagogue would do to His disciples, was in later centuries done by “churches” too. In the middle ages, God fearing disciples of Jesus were killed by “Christian” inquisitionists.

This hatred of the disciples of Jesus will reach its peak during the time of the Antichrist and the Babylonian “world church”. We must be prepared to face it when it comes. That is why we must not be afraid of the little slander and opposition that we face from so-called Christians these days.

We must never be afraid of being slandered – for Jesus Himself was maligned. He was called a gluttonous man, a false teacher, a blasphemer, an insane man, a demon-possessed man, a half-breed and one who had Satanic power (Lk.7:34; Jn.7:12; Mt.26:65; Mk.3:21,22; Mt.12:24; Jn.8:48).

He told His disciples, “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become as his teacher, and the slave as his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul (a Jewish title for Satan, the prince of demons), how much more the members of his household!” (Mt.10:24,25).

Peter exhorts us saying, “Keep your behaviour excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.” (1 Pet.2:12).

God’s promise to us is, “No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord. And their vindication is from Me.” (Isa.54:17). So we need not fear slander. The Lord Himself will vindicate us at the right time. Until then we can afford to keep quiet and ignore what ungodly people say about us.

Daniel went to the Lion’s Den in disgrace but emerged to be honoured.

God bless you

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5 Common Myths about Money and God

Posted on July 9, 2010 by Bode Ososami

1. Money, Riches and Achievement will make you happy and fulfilled.
Truth : Money will fulfil our lusts and whet our desires but will not buy the peace, joy and inner strength and calm we need to be fulfilled and at rest.

Micah 6[12] For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth. [13] Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins. [14] Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied; and thy casting down shall be in the midst of thee; and thou shalt take hold, but shalt not deliver; and that which thou deliverest will I give up to the sword. Riches, pleasures can be obtained but satisfaction is a separate virtue that God must send not necessarily as a consequence of wealth. Ecclesiastes 5[10] He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. The challenge is that riches promote lusts and desires that steal our hearts from God…and when we love silver we are cursed with never being satisfied and always wanting more…a path that leads to a downward spiral.

2. God gives us what we desire and supplies our wants.
Truth: God gives us what He decides in His unquestionable benevolence to give us for His glory and purpose. True works of God do not lack for funds.

Phillipians 4[18] But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. [19] But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Needs are not wants…nor are they desires…Our needs relate more to God’s divine assignments and His purpose for our lives. He wants us to prosper as our soul and destiny prospers. This promise was made to Epaphroditus – a generous giver to Paul’s cause. God’s cause and all who align to provide to it will not lack. God may if He chooses but is not committed to finance our lifestyle expenditures … nor does He have to pay for our vain pursuits.

3. When we give to God – God owes us and we must expect to receive.
Truth: God commands us to give our Tithes, first-fruits and offerings out of love for Him and not as an investment.

Luke 17 [10] So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.We can never repay what God had done and still does for us through our giving of what He gave us in the first place…talk less of turning God to a debtor. The best of us are unprofitable from God’s perspective. He fulfils His word by opening the windows of heaven, causing men to give us and blessing us with increase as we love Him. It is love of God that God responds to and not debt. Indeed how can we say we love God and argue about giving back to Him in our Tithes, First-fruits and Offerings and to bless others to His glory.

4. Seize the moment…your best life is now so amuse yourself and enjoy life.
Truth: Your best life is certainly not now !

Luke 6 [25] Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. The Bible is full of pictures that lets us see He saves the best for the last. His Eternity in Heaven is His best. His way is to serve the best wine last…the way of the antichrist is the exact opposite. Eternal damnation is the worst of all worst case scenarios…and it is saved also for the last. Christians are told especially in the end-times to endure … and that it will be worth the wait. The antichrist says there is nothing to wait for so don’t miss out on the joys of the moment at the expense of your soul.

5.We can believe God for harvests we have not sown, God does the impossible.
Truth: God has no limitation – for all the silver and gold in Heaven, Earth, with believers and unbelievers all belong to Him and He gives as He pleases. God does not deny His word on which He asks us to meditate on day and night.

Genesis 8 [22] While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. God is merciful – He does not deal with us according to our iniquity but scriptures encourage us to change our seed if we want a different harvest. We can not sow oranges and hope to harvest bananas. Our kind words, sacrificial giving, service and industry can be seeds …we must pray God gives increase. Zero multiplied a billion times remains zero. Change your seed and reap a different outcome.

Galations 6[7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. [8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

God bless you.

Bode

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Double-dip Recession or the best half for 4 lepers

Posted on July 5, 2010 by Bode Ososami

Peter Morici, a professor at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, says the likelihood of a double-dip is at least 50 percent. “What’s going to happen here is either the economy is not going to collapse, or it’s going to avalanche. Because once you start cycling down, then it develops a momentum of itself. And if it goes down a second time, then it becomes very difficult to resuscitate [it],” he says in Yahoo Finance article.

For investors, a double-dip, if it materializes, would be a throwback to 2008, with a floundering economy punishing stock returns. Jeff Tjornehoj, Lipper’s research manager for the United States and Canada, says the Dow Jones industrial average could touch 9,000h 9,000
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
Štetje svetopisemskih vrstic se začne z ¹! Vrstica ⁰ ne obstaja!

WP-Bible plugin by the close of 2010. “Is it reasonable to expect it? I think it’s reasonable to put some odds on it,” he says.

Nahum 1[9] What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

2 Kings [7:1] Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria. [2] Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof. [3] And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die? … [18] And it came to pass as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be to morrow about this time in the gate of Samaria: [19] And that lord answered the man of God, and said, Now, behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof. [20] And so it fell out unto him: for the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died.

As we enter the second half of the year, it remains to be seen if it will be the best half or another record low as a double-dip manifests.

The 4 lepers in 2 Kings did not have much theological background and perhaps never even heard the prophesy of Elisha. They simply came to the conclusion why not do something…if they did nothing they would die anyway. There is someone reading this blog with an idea, a dream, a new book, a new business, a new plan…and the odds of success seem grim given all the indicators. But consider what would happen if you did nothing. The difference between the worst case of your new venture and your do-nothing scenario tells you to move forward.

Move forward in the Lord…the flood gates of heaven have opened for you. Enjoy a new beginning. The blood has cleansed you and brought you justified for an overflow of blessings. May you be so extraordinarily blessed in this second half of the year that all who associate with you will also be blessed. Amen

An area of caution …watch your confession. Your words have consequence.

At a deeper level we see these 4 lepers as unwanted strangers ready to die … they gave their very lives… consider what you could ultimately loose if you do not move in self-sacrifice … Zac Poonen writes on the spirit of sacrifice …

In Ephesians 5:25Ephesians 5:25
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

WP-Bible plugin, it is written that “Christ loved the church and gave HIMSELF for her”. To build the church, we have to love the church in the same way. It is not enough to give our money or our time. We have to give OURSELVES – our Self-life.

When God wanted to describe His love to man, He could compare His love with only one earthly example – the love of a mother for her newly-born child (See Isaiah 49:15Isaiah 49:15
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. that...: Heb. from having compassion

WP-Bible plugin). If you observe a mother, you will see that her love for her baby is full of the spirit of sacrifice. From early morning to late at night and right through the night, a mother sacrifices and sacrifices and sacrifices for her baby. And she gets nothing in return. She endures pain and inconvenience, year after year for her child, joyfully, expecting nothing in return. That is how God loves us too. And that is the nature He wants to impart to us. But it is impossible to find a fellowship anywhere in the world about which it can be honestly said that they all love one another like that.

Most believers know only how to love those who agree with them and who join their group. Their love is human and is far removed from the sacrificial love of mothers!!

Yet Divine love is the goal towards which we should be striving. So each time we sing the above lines, we should not only honestly admit that our love is not yet like that, but also confess our hope and longing that our love will become like that one day.

A mother does not care whether others around her are sacrificing anything for her child or not. She joyfully sacrifices everything herself. In the same way, one who has seen the church as his own baby will not be bothered whether others around him are sacrificing anything for the church or not. He will sacrifice himself joyfully, and he will have NO complaint or demand against anyone else. Those who complain that others are not sacrificing for the sake of the church are not mothers but hired nurses. Such nurses have fixed working hours and will complain when the nurse for the next 8-hour shift does not come on time.

But a mother does not work 8-hour shifts each day. She works a 24-hour shift daily – year after year – and she does not even get paid for it. Even when her child is 20 years old, the mother’s work is not over!! Only mothers can have milk for their babies every day. Nurses cannot produce milk for the babies they care for. In the same way, those who are like mothers in the church will always have a word for their spiritual children – in every meeting. Many elders have no word for the church because they are nurses, not mothers.

A mother does not expect any payment from her children. No child ever pays its mother for her service. In fact, if you were to calculate the wages a mother should be paid, at the rate of Rs.20 per hour (as paid to nurses), you will find that every child owes its mother more than 3 million rupees, by the time it is 20 years old!! Which child can ever repay such an amount to its mother?

Now the question that comes to us is: Who is willing to work like that for the Lord and for His church – without receiving any payment, but giving oneself, day after day, year after year, until Jesus comes? If God can find just one person with that spirit anywhere, He will use him to build the church, much more than He can use 10,000e 10,000
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
Izbrano poglavje ne obstaja! Štetje svetopisemskih vrstic se začne z ¹! Vrstica ⁰ ne obstaja!

WP-Bible plugin half-hearted believers who try to serve Him without the spirit of sacrifice. When Jesus returns to earth and you stand before Him, will you have any regrets over the way you lived, or will you will be able to look back over a life spent usefully for the kingdom of God?

Many are drifting along and wasting their lives on earth. Wake up before it is too late, and ask God to show you that His way is the way of sacrifice. He who has ears to hear let him hear.

God bless you

Bode

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Protect your family

Posted on June 16, 2010 by Bode Ososami

Isaac was not as wise as Abraham in how he handled his family and I observe three basic lessons we can glean from errors that created the environment for enmity between his children to grow uncontrollably. We can have peaceful homes and marriages if we prayerfully consider some of these key points.

Genesis 27 [2] And he said, Behold now, I am old, I know not the day of my death: [3] Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison; [4] And make me savoury meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die.

Love of food/lack of self-control

I Peter 5[8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Isaac speaks to Esau in Genesis 27:2Genesis 27:2
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
2 And he said, Behold now, I am old, I know not the day of my death:

WP-Bible plugin “I am going to die soon. Go and get your bow and your quiver and get some venison for me.” This old man with one foot in the grave is still thinking of food!! No wonder he lost his spiritual vision. Paul said in 1 Cor.9:27, “If I don’t subdue my body, I will preach to others and still be disqualified myself.” This is why the word of God encourages us to fast from food now and then – so that we can keep our gluttonous desires and our sexual passions under control, so that we worship God and not our stomachs. It was love of food that caused Isaac’s spiritually blindness. Similarly, love of good food that has made many preachers spiritually blind and disobedient too. Lack of self control and love of food/inability to fast in families has led to wrong judgments and many troubles.

Partiality

James 3 [17] But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Isaac’s home was also filled with partiality. Isaac was on Esau’s side and Rebekah was on Jacob’s side. Such an attitude is ideal to split a home. Esau and Jacob became lifelong enemies because of the partiality of their parents. One parent favoured one son and the other parent favoured the other. So the two boys became jealous of each other. And no doubt this separated Isaac and Rebekah too.

Stranger in the Home

Genesis 2[24] Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

This is a far more subtle point – we know at least that Rebekah and Isaac were not one flesh. When Rebekah left the perfidious home of Laban we see she did not leave alone… Genesis 25 [59] And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant, and his men.

I would have ignored this nurse, Deborah (who outlived her baby and must have been a strong influence to the crafty Jacob) – if the Bible did not make special mention of her name, burial and the memorial in her honour (only accorded to the most important) and also just before God appeared to bless Jacob again in Genesis [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.

The end of Deborah (the nurse of his mother) coincides with the end of a phase…and the beginning of another for the adult Jacob in the most divided family in scriptures – as the story of Joseph now begins. We can only guess what the role of Rebekah’s confidant would have been and the source of the crafty manoeuvres that typified this home. If she had been a positive influence then Rebekah would have been mentored differently.

I pray for someone, may God open your eyes and heal all dimness as you begin to fast and pray for illumination and divine wisdom. I pray that you will seek God’s face to end all partiality either in your physical family or even church family. I pray that every stranger disguised as indispensable help that has not been sent by God will be uprooted by the Spirit of God.

Just as Abraham representing God the Father had a messenger – the Holy Spirit. Laban representing the Devil and the flesh also has a well trained messenger on an assignment with troubling spirits and division…May your home know peace. May a new story of victory unfold for you as the Holy Spirit visits afresh. Amen

(This post also includes some extracts from a face book message from Christian Soldiers titled A wise man learns from his mistakes by Zac Poonen )

God bless you

Bode Ososami

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A Post-Recession Business Vision

Posted on May 15, 2010 by Bode Ososami

As the Recession gradually recedes many have started to envision again – new dreams and new ideas are being incubated. I had written several related posts on New Business Opportunities, Business Planning and Envisioning. Please do browse them.
What is vision?
Vision is the capacity given by God to see clearly beyond one’s natural eyes. This is being sensitive to the Holy Spirit as He flashes a future outlook well beyond the present moment. God does not reveal all of the future at the same time because we are often not prepared mentally or physically

Genesis 15[1] After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

Which things? There are conditions for receiving divine vision for business, marriage, ministry and victorious living. True visions from God are for want of an expression – disturbing. This is because we (writer included) are naturally steep in delusion and many empires are personal – not of God and plainly put in need of dissolution. The vision of God could initially taste like hard pebbles discovered in your salad plate…but the after-taste is real joy. Divine vision can intimidate human intellect and threaten current mindsets requiring fresh assurances from God not to fear or dread losses that surely happen. Also God’s vision is for the spiritual mature and not babes but also not for the tired aged. Indeed a capacity to move is required which may not necessarily be an issue of age…”…young men shall see visions” He says.

Reading the previous chapters 13 and 14 in Genesis we observe pictures that help us discern some of the preconditions for divine vision.

True separation: Many businesses go for a retreat or isolate executives to frame future strategies. Abram separated from Lot just as we must separate from the familiar and comfort zones. There are many false visions abundant in lower realms that simply feed our ego and have little to do with God. Worldly vision is always competitive as Michael Porter…guru on competitive strategy will teach…and anchored on limitation. But the word warns in Philipians 2 [3] Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. True separation recognises God as the limitless source of all increase and supply that can neither be depleted from use nor increased by labor. Abram passed this test as he declared in Genesis 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:

True Selflessness: “Look after yourself” is the slogan of worldly vision even as success is tied to the visible i.e. increase in influence, popular acclaim or control of resources. The faith of many is for gain, miracles, prosperity, healing and blessings – but these tend to be on a platform of impatience and self-deception. Abram battled kings and rescued Lot in praise of God who delivered the enemies of His children into their hands. The Glory of God was always before him…True glory often requires us to decrease that God may be further magnified. Setting aside our personal agenda for Christ’s banner screaming “Occupy till I come” is a good new beginning.

True faith in God: True faith is evidenced in action. Vision is a waste on the person who will not move forward for fear of failure or ridicule. In Genesis 13[18] Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD. Abram responded to the promises of God by immediate action and not procrastination. Vision must be given only to those who will run obediently based on faith in the word of God. Someone said recently “Vision without action is a daydream, Action without vision is a nightmare!” Visions from God can be bold requiring uncommon leadership to move forward when others tarry.

With all these things in place, God showed Abram a glorious end-state and inscribed in his mind His vision as He declared to him in Genesis 15[5] And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. [6] And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. God showed Abram what will happen in the future even up to the time of Moses centuries later … [14] And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.

Does God still give visions? Perhaps we should say instead do we meet the conditions to be touched by God to see His future and beautiful end-state for our businesses, marriage and ministry?
Abram was blessed but we note at Sarah’s death, he was yet to possess even a plot for her burial. God is not against wealth but God’s vision brings His preordained purpose alive by our sacrificial obedience. Abram, though blessed, is perhaps most remembered not for assets but for his journey of faith to sacrifice Isaac foreshadowing the greatest truth that Jesus Christ was offered sacrificially by the Father who so loved the world for our sin and that Jesus reigning in our hearts is realisation of God’s ultimate vision.

Mark 8[25] After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

As we receive another touch from Jesus, may we receive courage and strength in our inner man to look up to see new hope and be restored…but this time seeing every one clearly to be another potential soul to be won for Him. Perhaps your business, marriage, ministry or new venture has a part to play in the “occupation” . Amen

Jesus is coming soon with His reward. Surrender to Him.

God bless you.

Bode

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The Rich Fool

Posted on May 5, 2010 by Bode Ososami

If we can gather so much financially and succeed in material and visible things…surely we deserve some credit. Jesus Christ did not always think so.

Luke 12[15] And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. [16] And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: [17] And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? [18] And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. [19] And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. [20] But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? [21] So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

In the text Jesus Christ warns…

Be careful – even as you work hard and diligently gather …we are not to strive and work without being sensitive to what we really are doing. What are our real motives? Who is our real employer?
Be even more careful and recognise the evil of covetousness …envious yearnings and desires for what someone else has or what we would love to have for our pleasure. Beware of lack of contentment
Do not come to the wrong conclusion that God’s pleasure and the value of your life is reflected remotely in your possessions or approval of men

The man described as a fool excelled as a role model in many areas…

In industry and would have been acclaimed a great success
Great personal resolve and determination – a great thinker and an accomplished planner and achiever…a proactive and disciplined honest business man – who could perhaps be at the peak in his career or industry
A man of wisdom and exceptional foresight – purchased good seed, excellent logistics to transfer and store produce…excellent timing…made great plans for His future…laid treasures for himself…a leader in Industry. Emotionaly balanced – Financially fit. Healthy, trim with a wonderful family.

But there were few things he was not doing so well. This included the following…

He was not rich towards God – not using what God had given for His glory and cause. He did not quite understand the glory of God and had no sense for His cause and God’s agenda at the time.
He seemed certain about everything but did not consider what would happen at his death – to him and to his goods… nor was he aware of the timing of his death or the destination of his soul. He was confident on the things that did not matter as much. You could say he majored in the minor and minored in the major – He was a titan in material things but in spiritual things only a novice…
His main preoccupation was how to rise to the top, live at ease, eat and drink and be merry…His happiness and pleasure was his goal. Indeed he had mastered how to achieve this goal and was set to achieving it.

There are many topics and issues that are not popular especially to the self confident achiever. These are considered too negative or perhaps too unclear to be given any serious attention. “Why worry about what you cannot be sure about” seems to be the rich fool’s philosophy …why can we not instead just celebrate what we can see and touch?

Jesus Christ calls him a fool because he knew little, talk less of being certain about the matters of the soul and the ultimate destination of his spirit. Heaven and eternal damnation in Hell were not topics the fool wants to give much attention. Death was a subject he would prefer to not even consider seriously…

Watch him…laughing, drinking, celebrating and so full of mirth….rushing off to teach the next success seminar or collecting another award … grinning at the applause…as he contemplates another investment or business idea – set to capture the market again. Most envy him and spend sleepless nights searching for his secret recipe …

The Rich Fool he is called…even as Jesus patiently waits for him.

You can also enjoy a teaching from Episode Three:The Rock on “ Jesus – The Sure Foundation ” below

God bless you as you enjoy viewing.

Bode

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Explosive Church Growth … what next?

Posted on April 29, 2010 by Bode Ososami

Church growth is both spiritual and physical. There is the numerical growth of the Church. Then there is the spiritual growth of the Church whereby members become more and more like the Lord Jesus Christ displaying both the fruit and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Discipleship is the proper monitoring and helping the individual to grow to maturity in ability and accountability in a specific or general area of calling.

Influence through the Church can be on the family. It could be to influence parents and siblings or husband, wife and children for God. It could just be influence to demonstrate, in a world in need of a model, what is the best husband or wife – as God wants them to be.

Influence in the work place is to be found diligent, trustworthy, faithful and capable thus becoming an asset to the company at the same time ministering to others – counselling and winning souls. Those we influence in turn influence others so the believers as salt reduce societal decay…and we as light cause the nation to shine brighter and brighter. Influence can also be in our career as nurses, doctors, pharmacists, engineers, accountants, etc, thereby keeping to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. These areas also serve to win souls for the king.

Church influence

As we grow spiritually, displaying the beauty of Jesus, we influence others in the Church. As we display the character of Jesus, others are encouraged. As we flow in the gifts of the Spirit others benefit thereby. The members would also be influenced to blossom causing a ripple effect that lead to an explosive revolution. We also impact ethics and character by resisting wrong environmental influences. Numerical growth should lead to evangelism and missions and a better base to make a positive impact in a dark society.

Factors that influence spiritual growth include the following:

Study of the word of God. Prayer being communion with God
Exercising of our faith and confidence in God
Communion with God and learning to obey God and be a living sacrifice

Problems and crises can be the beginning of growth for a minister. Recognizing weakness and going to God can be the beginning of growth. Crises can cause us to listen to God again and thereby grow. Other people exerting positive influence of comfort, encouragement and empathy in times of crises would be most crucial.

Our response to weakness in others may be a measure of our personal growth. Our ability to take care of both the strong and the weak brethren could be very crucial. Spiritual growth also comes from self denial, ability to die to self and pursuing the good of the kingdom instead of our selfish, petty and ambitious visions of grandeur…

In recent times so much has been written and observed about lapses in the Church – either as denominations or a small fellowship led by an individual …and many meant well but only have become a weakness to the body rather than a witness…others mock at her conflicts and inconsistencies offering a different balm. Those that have been stung in conflicts create new movements in prideful action as though bad hearts are cured by new organisation constructs and the rest simply sit in a cynical pose on the fence… even as the more articulate help the enemy tear down that which remains though already weakened and faltering with mixed doctrines, doubts and a well focused and deliberate onslaught by the world, evil and satan’s hosts.

The Prophet Isaiah when saw the Lord said In Isaiah 6[5] Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. [6] Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: [7] And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. [8] Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

It all starts with my own personal repentance … but who in the body will say “Woe is me” or inspire others to do same?… God did it for the Prophet Isaiah.

You may wonder who this post relates to … and like David be quizzed at the intent and direction of my conclusion …The Prophet Nathan put David out of his agony…

2 Samuel 12 [7] And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; [8] And I gave thee thy master’s house, and thy master’s wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things. [9] Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight?

Matthew 16:18Matthew 16:18
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Peter: this name signifies a rock

WP-Bible plugin [18] And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Jesus has always been building His Church and never once did He promise to build ours.

Why was David moved to repentance or Isaiah moved to cry out – while others would have continued with “business as usual” ? May I find from God the kind of grace that will single me out for an uncommon repentance experience…

God bless You.

Bode

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The Leadership Diet

Posted on April 15, 2010 by Bode Ososami

A lot has been written already on leadership and many mindsets on the topic abound in management and philosophical theories. The Bible does have its perspective on leadership practices and in many examples we observe that God finds, chooses, selects, prepares and trains His leaders for pivotal roles in business, ministry and politics. Leadership in the Bible is neither accidental nor self-initiated. It also not based on self effort or declared intent or strong resolve. God chooses His leaders often using the foolish to confound the wise. Still, the unprepared cannot lead nor can the sluggard escape a destiny of begging in harvest. This post begins a series of articles dedicated to leadership from a Bible perspective and what the word of God says on the topic using, among others, Jesus Christ, John the Baptist and Daniel as case examples.

Jesus Christ was prophesied to come as a leader and commander. In Isaiah 55[4] Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.

In John 4[32] But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. … [34] Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

Jesus had a different diet. God’s leaders are on specific assignments to execute God’s blueprint in a time-based realm. God’s plan is a vast mosaic of complex circumstances that can only amaze and baffle most of us. Like DNA, the hereditary material in humans under the most powerful microscope we are lost in wonder… but the trained and prepared eye of the leader sees the patterns and what they mean. Obedience comes easy with revelation of divine assignment that most lack.

Daniel and the three Hebrew boys emerged as leaders in Babylon Daniel 2[48] Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon. [49] Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.

In Daniel 1[16] Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.

Daniel and the team of future leaders were fed with vegetables. The word that nourishes leaders is often different in its demands and exactitude from those who will be led. Like Moses in the wilderness, the training and experience curriculum of leaders will be tougher, distinct from others and will separate, as they say, men from the boys. Where the way is narrow, the way of leaders is even narrower. The standard fare of entertainment, pleasure and idle chatter will be far from God’s leaders. Others may but leaders cannot.

John the Baptist was described as the greatest of all leaders before Christ…Matthew 11[11] Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist…

John the Baptist’s meat was even more peculiar. Matthew 3 [4] And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

The one chosen to lead the way for Christ, John the Baptist, who would also minister boldly to correct the lavish and unmentionable escapades of King Herod, fed on locusts. Locusts are devourers – a predatory nuisance in most cases but for John the instrument of the devourer was only food to sustain Him. In like manner for Elijah, the raven, a scavenger, became an obedient carrier of nourishment for the man God had chosen to ravage the priesthood of Baal. God’s leaders will survive and be nourished in the most hostile and arid environments. Joseph was weaned for years on the menu of servants and prisoners. Humility – a vital trait for the leader – is often grown in the laboratory of simplest diets and limiting circumstances.

The diet of God’s leaders has always been somewhat peculiar – those who grow eating what others eat be it spiritually, physically or mentally will be hampered to lead others. Saul ate so much with the people until he dropped his divine assignment for the people’s mandate

I Samuel 15[24] And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

As Christians, we are all leaders in Christ Jesus. It is more than being an example for others to follow as indeed we must. But in addition staying ahead and apart from the pack to be able to lead. Be encouraged as God sets you apart for His purpose in business enterprise, ministry and in politics. Wait on Him.

God bless you.

Bode

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The Wounded Heart of a Jealous God

Posted on April 8, 2010 by Bode Ososami

Okey Onuzo

I was there awhile ago when a young man became the head of his organization. His mounting of the saddle was greeted everywhere with a high degree of expectancy. It was like the people shouted: “Hurrah! The messiah has come.” During his first year in office, the company made a strident progress and laid solid foundations for future progress. At their first annual general meeting after his ascendancy, there was a great sense of euphoria that great things were ahead. But alas, the seed of death was sown there at that first annual general meeting. There came forward staff that sang his praise to high heavens. The company even arranged a young girl of about 12 years to sing his praise in a poem. I was also there at this first Annual General Meeting. I could not help saying to myself under my breath: “This is wrong.” Soon after, the wounded heart of God began to be revealed and this young man left the company after a few years in total disgrace and humiliation rejected by his staff who saw his tyranny and high handedness as an insult to their loyalty and obedience.

I was also there somewhat when a company defied the odds to keep afloat in a very competitive business world. Then one day, they looked at their balance sheet and felt they needed to show gratitude to those who had helped them in order to encourage them the more, a policy which in itself was very good. But then, who did they thank first: it was those who awarded the contracts, those who signed their cheques and those who facilitated their business in one way or the other. The only person they forgot to thank was the true source of their sustenance – GOD. As I watched from the sidelines, I felt in myself that something was wrong about this gratitude but it was no use putting in any word for they were bent on their project. When the effect of the wounded heart of God set in, they were ready to learn how to be grateful in life.

The LORD gave me the focus for the year 2010 from John 3:30John 3:30
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

WP-Bible plugin: “He must increase, and I must decrease.” Stretch that to mean, “God must increase and every man else and everything else must decrease.” This is the attitude that will ensure that we have divine favour behind, in-front, and besides us as we navigate the year 2010.

The company that desired to show gratitude desired a good thing indeed. But they should have paused at the beginning to ask themselves: “In what way or ways should we show gratitude to God as an organization for what He has done for us through men and women in our business circle?” That question, coming from their heart would have gladdened the heart of the LORD and whatever token the Holy Spirit would have led them to do would have protected them from the dangerous effects of the vicissitudes of business life and from the consequences that come from the wounded heart of a jealous God.

As for the young chief executive who relished in personal praise, he has gone into the wilderness as a very strong warning from the LORD. He would need to repent in dust and ashes in order not to disappear completely into oblivion. His arrogance had risen as a horrible stench in the nostrils of God and heaven is determined to put an end to it.

I have written in the past about divine jealousy because I have seen it hurt people, myself not excluded. I have warned individuals about the dangers of evoking divine jealousy in their life and business. The devil is always using others to lure us into these dangerous corners. But those others are not to blame. The LORD allows the trial to reveal what is in our hearts to us. This is why we must teach the protective power of repentance: Job 34:31-32Job 34:31-32
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
31 Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more: ³² That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.

WP-Bible plugin (NLT) ³¹“Why don’t people say to God, ‘I have sinned, but I will sin no more’? ³²Or ‘I don’t know what evil I have done—tell me. If I have done wrong, I will stop at once’?” We must always remember that what got the prodigal son pardon and restoration from his father was what he said in his heart: Luke 15:17-20Luke 15:17-20
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! ¹⁸ I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, ¹⁹ And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. ²⁰ And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

WP-Bible plugin (KJV) ¹⁷And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! ¹⁸I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, ¹⁹And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. ²⁰And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.”

(Excerpts from “The Wounded Heart of a Jealous God”)

Your brother,

Okey Onuzo

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Unconditional forgiveness … could I give it?

Posted on March 24, 2010 by Bode Ososami

In family, business, church and community we are constantly alerted to a demand for this much desired virtue. I found a quote as follows “Spiritual forgiveness is that forgiveness from the heart – the total release of the offender- that leaves no trace of bitterness, resentment, hatred or anger towards the offender” A friend also said “ Unforgiveness is putting yourself in prison for the offences committed by other people. Total and unconditional forgiveness is the new standard set by JESUS CHRIST – required to be lived out by all who are called by, and born of, God”

Matthew 6[14] For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: [15] But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

I do recall in my earlier and even later years being forgiven only if I promised to make certain adjustments but found little or no references to understand unconditional forgiveness. I often did not feel forgiven just perhaps mainly corrected.

But then I seem to observe everywhere – be it just next door, in a failed business enterprise, the embattled home of Tiger Woods, reported abuse in the catholic church, macheted and burnt victims in Jos Nigeria, crippling debts of poverty stricken nations, the arraignment of the bankrupt or the political and economic sabotage of nations or a grudge in my heart . Who will reach out with unconditional forgiveness in these scenarios? Then I remembered the example of how Jesus forgave me …totally and unconditionally He reached out with love warning me “sin no more”…because with sin comes an expensive cost to be paid..but then He paid in full for all my sins offering me a salvation at no cost to me except that I repent and return to Him… all grace. Even from afar off before making new promises I could not keep without His help – the Saviour embraced me warmly.

Luke 15[20] And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. [21] And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. [22] But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.

People we forgive are not necessarily free from the need to make positive adjustments nor the consequence of their actions, rather we are free from the dire consequence of bitterness and enmity and holding grudges. But what do I do in a case of a serious misconduct? Do I just forgive with no strings attached ? I really could not, but there is a helper that helps us to live as we should – the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit comes with a question – how would you want to be treated if you committed and were convicted of the worst crime knowing you could have granted to you what you wished? You will want another chance without conditions. Diplomatic immunity is a form of legal immunity and a policy held between governments, which ensures that diplomats are given safe passage and are considered not susceptible to lawsuit or prosecution under the host country’s laws (although they can be expelled). Have you ever met an offending diplomat offering to waive his immunity and be persecuted for wrong doing or a President waive his immunity and prefer to be tried for an offense? Rare.

Matthew 7[12] Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

In business, family, ministry or career, Holy Spirit help me to forgive unconditionally and totally. Find a scenario with which to begin this new habit of unconditional forgiveness – list out those who have hurt you in order of magnitude and simply knock off those in greatest need of forgiveness. Businesses can adapt an ongoing forgiveness policy to release worst creditors as God gives grace. Husbands forgiving wives and vice versa. Spread the joy by lavishing fresh assurances of unconditional forgiveness to the undeserving. Forgive Tiger Woods and pray for his home and that he finds unconditional forgiveness in Jesus Christ who does not require him to be reincarnated as a cheated wife .

I pray for more grace for myself and all who read this post to practise these habits … and to experience a new wave of mercy and favour from the King of kings who reigns supreme.

God bless you

Bode