Olabode Ososami's Blog

I write to comfort a friend whose corruption has been exposed …uncovered, disgraced and now facing ridicule, trial and possibly at least a decade in prison.   All the millions you stole and injustices you sponsored had been haunting you – and now … you see a certain prison sentence ahead as all your evil transactions are exposed. You never expected things to end this way. Still …

Many of God’s most treasured servants in scriptures spent time in prisons albeit that they were innocent… Joseph, Jeremiah, Paul. You were not innocent, but may meet someone God will send who will bring the word of God to you there. I remember the many times I spent visiting prisons on evangelism … there, I found hearts far more open to receive Christ, already broken and humbled by their many sorrows. Perhaps this could be the opportunity for you to discover a true repentance and be born again in Christ … you will have more free time and more interest than any other time to read the Holy Scriptures … and what a treasure you will discover. You will find that Christ is the friend of sinners and He calls you to repentance and a new relationship with Him which will last into an eternal bliss. In eternity you will fellowship with others like Zacchaeus the tax collector who also repented of many corruptions, and many “joyful” prison mates of Paul who found Christ through his ministry in jail.

But as for you, who remains covered and free in many “hidden” corruptions, perhaps no one on earth has the courage to point to your evil thefts, most of which will not be discovered and indeed cannot – your trails have all been wiped completely clean. Indeed you have whitewashed your past thefts with much charitable giving, sponsoring many good works and giving to churches, trusts etc. funding so many good causes. Instead of exposure, you are again soon to be conferred with the highest honours in the land after many promotions, and after having built so many successful ventures and causes on the foundation of stolen “booty”. So much time has passed, and soon all will completely forget like all mortals do and the stealing, bribery, corruptions, abuse will remain permanently undiscovered even to your grave in ripe old age, where thousands will gather at what they see as a glorious departure. Your Pastor has suggested (without your confession and restitution) that God has forgiven you and all the evidence you observe points to this. And maybe He has … I do not know.   You have been told that God can use “strange means” to bless you … He can. But ponder a while, Zacchaeus did not need EFCC or any criminal investigations to confess and return multiples of all he had gained through cheating. Zacchaeus uncovered himself as a criminal that he may obtain a greater joy.

Do you need Buhari, the FBI, IRS or someone else to find you out before you confess all the cheatings and evils that you know about and have concealed or benefitted from, even though decades have past … the source of diverted funds – with which you have fed your family and built “success” ?

Luke 19:8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” 9 : Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

God sees all … dwells in eternity, is omnipresent and omniscient. Will it not be too late at the gates of eternity, if (and I say if) you find you are admitted into an eternity of damnation in wailing and torment because of your hidden crimes?

You mocked at the weakness of earthly justice with temporal consequence, forgetting that the justice that counts the most will be God’s justice with eternal consequences. A day may come when you will wish you had been uncovered …you will wish you had been caught and exposed by an imperfect judicial system. You will wish you had made a mistake and left a trail for your arrest. You will have much preferred to spend twice the sentence you would have got in the worst of jails, than to face the prospect of even a day in the hell prepared for demons and devils.

As for my friend who was uncovered … the times ahead may be hard, but Jesus has not turned His back on you … still go to Him, and the times in His presence will be times of joy … even in the darkest pit.

God bless you, my friend. Jesus is waiting.

There is a joy that does not depend on health, achievement, wealth, success, acceptance … that does not depend on whether you are dying in hospital and in debt or living with billions … on whether in marital bliss or alone or whether enjoying visible victories or seeing only conflicts and defeats. This joy does not depend on whether you have a great top level executive job/or political office or begging alone on the street … there is a rejoicing that is not based on what you have or do not have … This is the same joy that sustained the saints when thrown to lions, tied and burning on the stake or left to rot in dungeons.

This joy does not depend on whether you have seen what God has done or yet to see it. There is a joy that knows no rival, a peace that knows no comparison …it is based on relationship with Christ and Christ alone. Only true believers will find this joy …this peace and this joy passes all understanding – so do not ask me to explain it. Only the Holy Spirit can produce it – no one else.

This joy is eternal – reaching beyond time into eternity. When you have it, you will cherish it beyond any other thrills. Other thrills and highs will be perceived as passing fancies and unappealing weight – counted as manure(dung) in comparison. You cannot explain why you see what others embrace and are desperate to have as only liabilities (loss) when compared to what you now have. When you have it, you will purify yourself as grace enables you so as not to ever risk losing it. The one who has it gives all credit and glory to Christ … is humble because there is no basis for any boosting except in Christ Jesus alone. God chastens and gives more grace for repentance and closer fellowship to this humble rejoicing soul.

The joy produces a reason for boosting in Christ, a longing to worship and glorify Him in Spirit (heart) and according to revelation and the word of God …not anyhow. This joy places no confidence in the deeds of the flesh i.e. the always corrupt acts and self-efforts (good or bad) of the unredeemed man. This joy hates not just the evil humanity disdains but is more repelled by the wickedness of human nature itself knowing the best of humanity is rottenness to the core albeit yet to manifest. This joy is not known by the humanist who embraces and seeks what he rightly or wrongly understands to be the good aspects of unsaved nature.

Many will try to fake it but this joy cannot be faked. For as you read this post – you will know if you have it or not. This joy is the strength of the believer. The WINNER.

Nehemiah 8:10 “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Glory be to God

Mat_7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

A lot has been said on anticorruption … and while I concur that the quick-win legal and enforcement issues are extremely key, my focus remains on strengthening societal institutions and the basic processes that control and influence everyday living.

When we talk about automation and processes in Nigeria – most people chuckle … while in other competitive societies, so much is being done with as little human interface as possible. You can obtain your driving license, passport, pay your taxes, start your business, regulatory clearance etc. without meeting any government officer in person or visiting any government building. All that is expected is that you clearly understand and obey the laid-down rules and provide evidence (with no human contact) that conditions are met. Many Nigerians cannot visualise their cheque books/bank cards/international passports safely posted to them. It sounds absurd that tax payers and citizens fund very fundamental institutions that cannot be trusted and indeed no more expected to play their role with all requisite standards of security. In the US during the 2nd World war as far back as in the 1940s … soldiers posted money to their loved ones who received them and the systems have only got better.

Obtaining regulatory approvals/getting things done in Nigeria require more interpersonal interaction and I dare say emotional intelligence as opposed to simply meeting the set criteria for such approval/transactions. Then of course we have to show appreciation for the painstaking effort of the many kind government officers and intermediaries who made it happen.

The internet and information technology have already made it possible to eliminate human interfaces for almost every transaction (and this technology is quite mature … already over 20 years old) … whether you are registering voters or seeking approval to build a refinery or local content approval. This complete elimination of human interfaces go a long way to encourage fairness and eliminating the grey areas which quickly descend further into the black boxes of corruption. For example … oil bloc bidding/awards , sales, oil contracts and indeed most of oil trade can be done on open portals that everyone who cares to can see/participate (if qualified) from a PC anywhere…. the rules are embedded and implemented transparently.

All over the world, economies are making their societies more competitive by introducing improvements to eliminate wastage, human interfaces and stages that do not add any value … banking halls are disappearing … paper passports are going(increasingly digitalised) … interviews can be done anywhere with anybody using virtual rooms helped with Skype/visual recognition and retina technology. Physical money is slowly becoming extinct … enabling tracking/tracing of all money flows….making most corruption almost impossible.

I love and also preach sermons on anticorruption telling ourselves that our great grandfathers would leave their treasures on the road side and would come back to meet them untouched. We often vow that the “old civil service” was an embodiment of ethics and we look backwards pining for those days. All I know now is that you will have a stampede on your hands if foolish enough to leave “diamonds” unguarded on the streets of New York. Valuable things must be protected by systems, documentation and legal enforcement or they will be stolen. There is nothing unusual or criminal about Nigerians. The same Nigerians are designing, managing and living with E-government processes in developed economies – obeying all the rules.

I argue that if ownership of discovered resources (oil, metals, gold etc) pass to individuals (like we have e.g. in the United States) instead of to government, there will be an accelerated exploitation and expansion of mineral wealth, and end to most corruption … no more sabotaged pipelines and bunkering will cease.

Mat_7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

The things we treasure (not just our faith …but also our pearls) should be cherished and valued … assets, property, time, our resources … all seem cursed to be squandered through leaking government systems …and we wonder why we are stuck in a mire of decline. Competitive societies are protected by secure institutions …basic ground-level institutions like the Postal institutions, Police, City/municipal councils are extremely vital for a bottom-up sanitisation. A lot can be done quickly if basic data on citizens are completely digitised….if ownership, property, assets, residences are registered in linked digital platforms. E- Government sounds advanced – but is actually a MUST… and in truth far less complicated than the confused labyrinth that exists today.

I dare you to attempt to renew your Nigerian passport. You will come to the unavoidable conclusion that corruption is an unavoidable part of the DNA of all clumsy institutions even when you can find angels to manage them for a while.

I meet people everyday who give excuses why we cannot do these things yet. Countries now use the instrument of referenda to accelerate the decisions and changes they need to make where there are constitutional blockers etc. All I say to them is we will one day have to do these things whether we like it or not. The hard work ahead of building our institutions will not disappear – it is only waiting for who will lead us into a new era of progress. Enough of Politics.

Deu_15:6 For the LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.

We are in strange times when banks, be they commercial, central or reserve banks are assuming increasing importance and influence. After the global financial crisis years ago, the nations were introduced to the term “quantitative easing” (QE) which meant easing economies, with already low interest rates and no cushion to further reduce rates, by pushing “easy” money into the system so people can borrow even more and hopefully expand their business.

Even in a reduced risk environment as in developed economies, growth was unimpressive and inequality ballooned as stock markets bubbled. It is not so clear if this financial experiment worked in the US as Europe initiates its own stimulus. African nations with much higher risk and rate environments are now also buying these solutions which is a shorter and easier cut when compared to embracing urgently needed aggressive reform solutions aimed at improving their own business environments.

Yet Biblical wisdom warns seriously against borrowing … and by implications any solution that eventually enslaves debtors …enriching banks through interest rates and fees charged…

The Rothschilds, JP Morgan, Baring Brothers and other banking titans ruled the 19th up to the 20th century by profitably financing imperialist exploitation, mining in colonies, growth, frauds – everything … often backing all sides in many wars and conflicts, and cleverly manipulating markets, commodities … always staying ahead of regulation who struggled to keep up with their game. The reign of these families gradually evolved today into more subtle, far more complex and disguised Private and Institutional Banking modes even as regulation is still light years behind in monitoring their intricate cross border networks and market manipulations. Central and Reserve banks have now become the lenders of last resort, in markets that have become more connected and complex, requiring more caution. This also means governments (which will need to be financed somehow) eventually pay for the bad debts.

Everyone in need of finance will face the question of borrowing at some stage … individuals, companies, nations. Those with savings, reserves will reign over others by their investments. The impoverished uncontrolled waster of resources will be lured to borrow more from the more thrifty.

I have encountered a few who live peaceably with no credit cards and absolutely no debt in any form, and know it is very possible – even living in advanced markets where mortgage is easy. It only requires patience, sacrifice, self-control and the discipline to save. It was the saving culture of the Chinese that helped their evolution as engines of growth. On the contrary, nobody spends and likes to live “big” like Nigerians. Do you know weddings can be done at Sunday school etc…(did I hear you say God forbid…) ?

The best time to borrow is when you can afford not to … then, you get the best terms. The very worst time to borrow (ask any banker) is when you are in a financial crisis (like Nigeria). Banks make much more money from riskier lending as rates are always higher causing even more anguish to the troubled borrowers.

But there are alternatives to borrowing … mainly equity i.e. inviting partners to share the risk and accountability in the business and thus share the wealth and gains if things go well. Similarly for nations, governments can privatise i.e. convert government interests to public equity. This has the advantage of devolving more economic power to the citizens and is the most cost-effective way to integrate new technology and improve governance if more experienced technical partners can be attracted (like in our refineries). Only the boldest governments ( like Thatcher’s revolutionary govt.) embrace privatisation … simply because it releases power (politicians cannot do this as this is political suicide) and gives access to private more skilled hands and improves accountability … something governments also dislike. Less progressive governments will deceive the people that they do not want to sell the “family silver” and will rather mortgage the future by borrowing domestically or globally creating bonds or instruments that will eventually be securitised and traded on global markets – where “fund lords” will rate and discount such instruments down to junk. Nigeria risk is already presently rated below junk in the global financial markets, meaning no decent international institution is permitted to invest and if they do so, it would be at the highest cost possible to reward the risk.

Privatisation on the other hand can work, as it was recently done in Japan when its Post Office was privatised … ensuring the shares went as much as possible to small savers, individuals and limited stake of big players.  Terms can be introduced to protect labour.  This is the best way for desired inclusive growth.

I want to suggest there is far more institutional corruption in government corporations than the more open form of corruption (which is equally unacceptable). By institutional corruption I mean to creatively bend rules to favour (party, tribal, selfish) interests at the expense of the economic entity owned by the citizens. The fastest way to curb (not eliminate completely) institutional corruption is to privatise. The market woman’s daily takings are not as easy to steal from as the federal or local government purse. Money in private hands tends to be more judiciously watched and managed.

Smaller governments with power devolved as much as possible and with less direct financial activity are less likely to be corrupt … and far more innovation, research and productivity enhancements and fair competition will thrive. Equity solutions therefore will increase wealth, making it more inclusive as equity is spread to citizens as much as possible. Who is afraid of this, but perpetual government parasites who also lend great instability and confusion into these corporations as captains inevitably change after elections.

But the greater danger of more government borrowing, even when the International Monetary Fund is begging Nigeria not to take that route, is to bring the next generation of Nigerians under servitude of debt … to be mocked by the big banks who will one day rule over them.

Pro_22:7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

Nehemiah 13:31 And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good

The year has ended. The work and role of Nehemiah has ended. His final words seem loaded with thoughts … not quite clear if he is excited about the future…”Remember me, o my God, for good…”  is as a soft plea of a man who is yet to see many personal pains soothed. God cannot forget any, so Nehemiah is not prodding God’s memory …rather, he is appealing for God’s mercy and His goodness to come to his aid. Nehemiah does not say much about his own personal battles, but like all men – surely, he needs God’s help and goodness. Nehemiah puts himself last in the restoration story that he narrates. A selfless Nehemiah puts himself last in the intercessions made concerning the rebuilding of lives and the correction of destines. There are days like this when in your prayer closet, you go to God saying “this time its me crying for help…”

Nehemiah does not assess or trumpet his achievements. He disregards the accolades. He has not yet seen much change in the hearts of the people and wonders if he worked in vain. Like Jeremiah, he often fears that his labours are wasted.  Did the people listen? Will they go back to their old ways once he is gone… does anybody really care? But Nehemiah knows he can have confidence in his God. There is a quiet surrender mixed with confidence in God.  The contributions of Nehemiah are done. Now, rest.

Nehemiah has done well, but knows better than to plead his own goodness. He pleads the goodness of his God. As you enter the New Year … my prayer is that God will reveal His overshadowing and awesome goodness afresh to you.  I pray that God’s goodness will erase the memory of days of tears, difficulty and pains. I pray God’s goodness will heal all your hurts and give you victory in trials known to God so you can have His rest in 2016. I pray that that which God has rebuilt will never again be brought down again by His enemies.

But how will God remember you in the previous year. God does not count as men do. Will God remember you for any good? When your works in the year are all burnt …will anything still stand? I fear there is so much that is vain – not done for God or by God, that God only forbears. Let the New Year be a different year. May your life in 2016 count for something with God.

Luke 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

Finally, do remember to be watchful as the love of many waxes cold, it is those who endure to the very end who enter God’s eternal kingdom. God bless you. Have a wonderful New Year. Keep burning hot and glowing in the coming year.

Verses for further meditation

Judges 16:28; Col 4:18

Thoughts for Business and the work place

God’s measures and standards are much higher than those of men.

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, I pray for all the leaders reading this devotional. Remember them all for good. 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.

Nehemiah 13:31 And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good

What does the offering mean? In the time of Nehemiah, arrangements were made, perhaps because of the scarcity of wood, by which certain districts were required, as chosen by lot, to furnish wood to keep the altar fire perpetually burning. Wood represents that which must burn for the fire of God to remain ablaze. John the Baptist said he must decrease so that Christ would increase.

The scarcity of men who would sacrifice self and their agenda so that God would have His way – is no small issue. As the year comes to an end and the theme Nehemiah’s wall rings in our thoughts …reflect on the most important part of restoration … the wood offering.

The wall does not belong to Nehemiah. It is God’s wall of Jerusalem and God used Nehemiah only to lead the building. God is the builder, the owner, the provider of materials and the finisher. But He also wants to use the collective effort of His men and women. Men and women who would present their lives as living sacrifices. The restoration of nations involves the correction of people’s destiny and then the sacrifices that must be made.  Think more of what you can do for your nation rather than what your nation can do for you … then you will be thinking right.

Reflect on your life … can you say, you are decreasing in some material area and through this allowing the glory of God to spread even more. Can people look at your life and glorify God? There are men and women in history who have given much but few like Isaac can say they offered themselves for service. Many and their families have made themselves rich gains through service – becoming rich contractors and reserving positions even for generation yet unborn… vastly wealthy. But why is the wood so hard to find ?

Nehemiah was like wood. Often pained in the derision and criticism he often encountered and intensely disliked by Sanballat’s wide network …most waiting for him to fail – but he did not stop doing the will of God. It is not easy to be a wood offering …to be unsung as God prospers His work. Learn from Nehemiah. It seems there is a quiet sadness at the end of this book.

Genesis 22:6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.

Verses for further meditation

Exodus 3:2; Leviticus 6:3

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders ready to make the needed sacrifice are scarce

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, help me to be strong in serving and bringing myself as God’s fuel for His fire. As I enter the new year, let me decrease even more as God increases.

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.

Nehemiah 13:30 Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the priests and the Levites, every one in his business;

Everyone has a part to play. A unique destiny. There are different timings. Some will mature quickly while others will not. The timing, location and nature of our businesses are all unique … our preparations are also very different. When everyone has found his calling – not just Nehemiah, then God has given to the community a leader. The leader does not grab space, he enables others to be what they are meant to be. Many want things too quickly … others refuse cleansing and separation. A leader will be able to guide, push and pull … achieving in his life and in the life of others, the needed separations and the relocations needed for all to find their business. When the environment is made right, everyone can find a unique space and occupy a role that God had preordained.

The walls are built again when the people have been rebuilt …not the buildings. The people are rebuilt when God has separated evil alliances and impure ways of worldliness and sin — away from His people. The walls are rebuilt when each has rediscovered their unique callings and are prospering in their own unique callings.

Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Verses for further meditation

1 Thess 4:11; Prov. 22:29

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders do not seize space instead they empower others to find their space

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, give us leaders that will empower us to prosper in our unique roles. 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.

Nehemiah 13:30 Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the priests and the Levites, everyone in his business;

Nehemiah’s final role is cleansing from strangers … separating people from entanglements that are not helpful. To fulfil all that we must do for God, it takes courage, industry and a separation to our calling. Strange relationships complicate our destiny. Cleansing is not just the removal of the impure …dealing with especially our thoughts and imaginations which give birth to wickedness, but also unneedful distractions that disturb our focus … To be useful for God over a long time requires a stamina and strength of focus that will be diluted if we are given to frolics. I wonder how we see certain people who are still working for God even in their nineties …standing strong in their eighties …while others are finished in their fifties. Cleansing brings lasting strength and a focus that is irresistible with those who wish to distract us.

It is never too late to let the Holy Spirit and the word of God cleanse you as you are convicted to separate from everything that does not glorify God. You must have standards higher than the prevailing culture … let the word of God show you all that is strange that must be put away. Do it today. Remain disciplined and self-controlled.

Job_36:10 He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity.

Verses for further meditation

Acts 10:15; Job 14:14

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Discipline, self-control and high ethical standards are key

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, help me to be separated from all that you desire me to separate from. 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.

Nehemiah 13:29 Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.

This is an odd statement. God has not forgotten any, nor does He have the memory of men – He is omniscient …I sense Nehemiah leaves them in the hands of God. He sees that the priesthood has been defiled, by the accommodation of Sanballat and other acts of betrayal, but he does not bring them to trial himself. He leaves justice to God who is merciful to act as best suits Him. Leaving judgments in the hands of God is so important … it tells God we fear Him and honor Him as God. God knows how to deal with His enemies …He sees even thoughts that are yet to be hatched in our minds and all our motivations. He knows who did what, and who was deceived and who is the deceiver.

God has great mercy available but also is fearful in administering judgments. Do you remember the sons of Korah and the many judgments which seem excessive to us … but God also overlooks what He wants to overlook – again without having to give any explanations to us. God is God – remember this and do not take actions that are meant to be taken by God.

1 Chronicles 16:14 He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.

Verses for further meditation

Rom 11:33; Rev 16:7

Thoughts for Business and the work place

There are things that must be left with God

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, give me grace not to seek revenge on any … let vengeance belong to God. 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.

Nehemiah 13:28 And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me.

Nehemiah saw a potential problem. He does not wait for it to manifest but instead proactively takes an action. The grandson of the High Priest is chased away. What are the things you need to chase away? Which friends do you need to chase away? Which workers do you need to chase away? It does seem wicked, doesn’t it … why would Nehemiah be so brutal on this minor issue? But alliances are not minor matters … they are matters of serious gravity. Sanballat has another way of bringing havoc to the endeavors of Nehemiah …through the family of the High Priest who has already shown he is partial to the interests of Sanballat. Which of your facebook friends do you need to chase away? As you lead, be sensitive to the people you permit to share the space around you … pray for God to reveal alliances with hell so you can take necessary action. There are times to be subtle, there are times to act immediately albeit even abruptly.

The Bible warns us to flee youthful lusts … be also watchful concerning your family and marriage … certain relationships have to be cut off to avoid future trouble. Be wise. Take strong action.

 Job 20:5 That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?

Job 20:6 Though his excellency mount up to the heavens, and his head reach unto the clouds;

Job 20:7 Yet he shall perish for ever like his own dung: they which have seen him shall say, Where is he?

Job 20:8 He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.

Verses for further meditation

Psalm 68:2; Psalm 143:9

Thoughts for Business and the work place

Leaders know how to break toxic relationships

Suggestions for Prayer

Lord, open my eyes to see the alliances set up to hurt me and the grace to take the needed action.

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.

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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.