RHEMA From Heaven

Proverbs 26:13 “The lazy person [who is self-indulgent and relies on lame excuses] says, ‘There is a lion in the road! A lion is in the open square [and if I go outside to work I will be killed]!’” (AMP)

Many people who do not amount to much in life are often lovers of excuses. They always have a reason why something could not be done or why they failed to do what was expected of them. In fact, they can easily provide a long list of explanations to justify their inaction.

As a Christian, you must understand that excuses never promote anyone to the top. When you constantly find reasons for not doing what you must do, you are gradually positioning yourself on the road to failure.

You see, many people give lame excuses simply because of laziness. The Bible vividly describes this attitude by saying that the lazy man claims there is a lion in the streets and in the open square. In other words, he invents a danger that may not even exist just to avoid the responsibility of work (Proverbs 22:13; Proverbs 26:13). Many people behave in the same way today. They exaggerate difficulties and create imaginary barriers simply to justify why they cannot move forward.

The truth is that excuses are often nothing more than the manifestation of a person’s unwillingness to pay the price required for success. Yet the reality of life is simple: nothing is free. If you want the prize, you must be willing to pay the price.

Sadly, some people have made the habit of giving excuses part of their lifestyle. They see nothing wrong with it anymore. But the truth remains that you cannot travel with excuses and still arrive at your destination.

Know that excuses breed irresponsibility, and life has little room for irresponsible people. If you are not ready to take responsibility for your actions, then you are not yet ready to handle the demands of life.

Never give room to excuses. Do not play the blame game. No matter the circumstances you face, refuse to justify failure with excuses. Even in difficult and challenging seasons, remain responsible and committed to doing what must be done.

Be eager to find ways to fulfill your mandate rather than searching for reasons why you cannot do what is required of you.

Read: Proverbs 26:15 “The lazy person buries his hand in the dish [losing opportunity after opportunity]; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.” (AMP)

Prayer: Lord, deliver me from the spirit of excuses and give me the discipline and diligence to do what must be done. Amen.

2 Samuel 9:1 “David asked, ‘Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’”

In life, we benefit from the kindness of others. These acts of kindness sometimes come at a great cost, yet we become the beneficiaries of them. It is therefore important not to let the memories of people’s kindness toward us fade away. Whether these people are your parents, friends, relatives, teachers, mentors, pastors, or others, remember their kindness and extend the same kindness to them and to their household.

In the opening text, we see David ask a very thoughtful question about who was still available from the house of Saul to receive kindness. David never forgot the kindness he received from Jonathan, the son of Saul. Jonathan planned David’s escape from death. He did this against the wish of his father and even at great personal risk. When no one was willing to stand with David, Jonathan did (1 Samuel 20:17-42).

This act of kindness was never erased from David’s heart. Although his life later became busy and he became successful and famous through the many battles he won (2 Samuel 8:13), he never forgot the kindness of Jonathan that helped make his journey possible. He returned kindness to the household of Jonathan and even to the house of Saul, despite his difficult history with Saul.

Be encouraged by this scripture, which was written for our learning, to remember the kindness of others and extend the same kindness to their household. This is part of what defines us as Christians. Do not forget the kindness people have shown you. Do not forget the impact their kindness had on your life. And do not forget to share the blessings of your success with such people and their household.

David never made excuses about showing kindness, and no one had to remind him. He was intentional about it and made himself a channel of blessing to someone who might have been considered undeserving to sit and eat at the king’s table.

Today, how much of the kindness that people have shown you still lingers in your heart? How intentional are you in returning that kindness to them and to their household, or have you become too busy to remember and reciprocate the good they once did for you?

Always remember the kindness people have shown you.

Read: Proverbs 11:17 “Those who are kind benefit themselves. But cruel people bring ruin on themselves.”

Prayer: Lord, I receive the grace to remember the kindness of others and to show kindness to them and their household. Amen.

Luke 10:41–42 “But the Lord replied to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.’”

Being constantly busy, worried, and anxious can cause you to lose sight of the most important things that deserve your attention at crucial moments in life. For this reason, it is important to regularly examine the activities that fill your time to determine whether they truly deserve your focus at that particular season of your life.

You must learn to distinguish between routine activities that contribute little to your long term progress and the key actions that can significantly influence your destiny. Not every activity carries the same weight or impact. When you treat everything as equally important, you may end up investing energy in the wrong places while neglecting the things that truly matter.

The visit of Jesus to the home of Mary and Martha clearly illustrates the principle of priority in life. Martha was busy preparing a meal for Jesus, which in itself was a good and thoughtful act. However, Jesus did not commend her for it. Instead, He pointed out that she was distracted by many activities that were not the most important at that moment.

Mary, on the other hand, chose to sit and listen to the words of Jesus. She focused on what mattered most at that time. Jesus described her choice as the better part because she recognized the value of His presence and His word.

The lesson is simple but powerful. Learn to identify what is most important in each season of your life. Do not allow yourself to become trapped in a web of many activities while neglecting the things that carry the greatest value and impact. Know what must be done now, what can wait, and what truly contributes to your purpose and destiny.

When you understand the significance and timing of your actions, you will make better decisions and move steadily toward success.

Read: 1 Chronicles 12:32 “And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.”

Prayer: Lord, grant me wisdom to recognize what truly matters in each season of my life and help me to focus on the things that carry the greatest value and impact. Amen.

Nehemiah 4:6 “So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.”

Work is essential to life. Nothing can truly replace it. Words, ideas, philosophies, instructions, and plans may sound impressive, but until they are translated into action through work, they produce no results. It is when words are turned into action that progress and success begin to appear.

The book of Nehemiah clearly highlights the value of work. It shows us that through determined effort, difficult situations can be changed. In that account, we see how Nehemiah accepted the responsibility of rebuilding the broken walls and gates of Jerusalem.

Before beginning the work, Nehemiah had prayed, wept, and fasted about the condition of the city (Nehemiah 1:3 to 4). Yet he did not stop there. He moved beyond prayer into action. He mobilized people, secured resources, and began the work that needed to be done.

Nehemiah 2:20 says, “The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build.” With this bold determination, they rose up and worked. Their city that once lay in ruins began to come back to life because the people had the mind to work.

The lessons from the book of Nehemiah remain timeless. One important truth it teaches is that what you do not work at, you cannot expect to enjoy. It also shows that while prayer and fasting are important, they are not substitutes for the work your hands must do.

As a Christian, you must learn to work on the situations around you. Do something that will improve the conditions of your life, ministry, career, finances, marriage, and relationships. Whether the times are good or challenging, work must continue.

Remember that Nehemiah had several options. He could have complained about the situation. He could have limited himself to only praying and fasting. He could have blamed others for the condition of the city. But he chose a different path. He prayed, trusted God, and then went to work.

Take responsibility for your life. Do not sit back and watch things deteriorate. Pray, fast, and trust God, but also commit yourself to the work that will bring change.

Read: Ecclesiastes 9:10 “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.”

Prayer: Lord, deliver me from laziness and give me the diligence to work faithfully at the things that will bring progress and success in my life. In Jesus Name. Amen.

1 Corinthians 9:27 “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

Self control is part of the nature of the recreated human spirit. The Bible tells us in Galatians 5:22 to 23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law.”

This means that as a born again Christian, you already have the ability to bring your emotions and the desires of the flesh under control.

Although this way of living is very different from the lifestyle of the old nature, it does not mean it is impossible. Self control is part of the new life we have received in Christ, but it must be consciously practiced for it to become active in our daily lives.

Self control simply means having rule over your own spirit. It is the ability to restrain yourself, to be slow in reacting, and to keep your emotions, feelings and actions within the boundaries set by the word of God. When you exercise self control, you do not act carelessly or respond impulsively.

Through self control you are able to keep your appetites and desires in check. It also helps you handle situations wisely so that you do not respond in anger or behave in ways that lead to unnecessary conflict.

Many people limit their understanding of self control to the control of sexual desires. However, self control goes far beyond that. It has to do with bringing your human nature under the authority of the word of God so that you do not do things that contradict the life God has called you to live.

Do not think that self control is beyond you. The ability to exercise it already exists in you as a Christian. When you put it to work, you will stand out and live a disciplined life that honors God.

Read: Proverbs 25:28 “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to rule over my spirit and to bring every desire of the flesh under the obedience of Christ Jesus. Amen.

Hebrews 9:27“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”

If there were no life after death, there would be no judgment after death. The fact that the Bible speaks about judgment shows clearly that life does not end in the grave. There is life beyond this present world.

One truth that is often forgotten in today’s busy world is the reality of life after death. Many people hardly think about it, even though it concerns every human being.

You see, if your whole life is centered on making money, travelling abroad, getting married, securing a good job, earning degrees, or becoming popular, you may be shocked when the reality of the next world suddenly confronts you.

One important matter that must always remain in your heart is where and how you will spend eternity. For some it will be heaven and for others it will be hell. This is not meant to frighten you. Rather, it is a warning meant to prepare you. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

Whether we like it or not, death is certain. It may come sooner or later, but it will surely come. However, the greatest tragedy in life is not death itself, but dying without being born again.

You can overcome the fear of death by making God and eternity your priority. Do not spend your entire life chasing only earthly things. For example, having wealth without God is truly a waste of life. No one can buy a place in heaven with money. The Bible says, “Wealth will not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death” (Proverbs 11:4).

Let the reality of eternity remain in your heart. Remember that your time on earth is only for a season. Decide to walk with the Lord and remain faithful to Him until the end.

Read: Revelation 20:11-15 “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Prayer: Lord, help me to live with the awareness of eternity and give me the grace to live a life that pleases You. In Jesus name, Amen.

Isaiah 37:3 “They told him, This is what King Hezekiah says: Today is a day of trouble, insults, and disgrace. It is like when a child is ready to be born, but the mother has no strength to deliver the baby.”

Troubles are not specially designed for a few selected people; they can come to anyone. Whether big or small, rich or poor, anointed or not, trouble can visit every life. Some troubles may be severe while others may be mild. Nevertheless, the reality of troubles in this world cannot be ruled out.

As a Christian, different situations and circumstances may arise in your life. Some may be pleasant while others may be challenging. There are seasons when you may have more than enough, and there are seasons when things may be scarce. Yet through all these situations, God expects you to remain firm and overcome whatever trouble may come your way.

The Bible reveals the source behind many troubles, the devil. He is our chief adversary and opponent in life. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” This shows that the devil is constantly looking for opportunities to create trouble. But God calls you to resist him and overcome him.

A clear example of a day of trouble is seen in the life of the righteous man, Job. In one day he lost his business, his children, and his possessions. As if that was not enough, his health also failed. Yet in all these things, the Bible says Job remained faithful and did not turn against the Lord. Even when his wife advised him to curse God, Job chose to keep his trust in God in the midst of his troubles (Job 2:9).

No matter the trouble that may come your way, whether in your finances, marriage, relationships, work, ministry, or health, remain steadfast and believe that God is able to see you through it.

In the day of trouble pray, search the word of God, and make it your confession. Refuse to give room to despair. Encourage yourself daily and stay strong because you have the victory that overcomes the world.

Read: Proverbs 24:10 “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.”

Prayer: Lord, strengthen me to stand firm in the day of trouble and help me overcome every challenge that comes my way. Amen.

1 Timothy 4:14 “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.” (NIV)

No born again Christian is without a gift. Every one of us has been graced by God in one way or another. At salvation, the Giver of the gifts, the Holy Spirit, comes to dwell in the believer. This means that every grace and ability that flows from the Spirit lives in you (1 Corinthians 12:4).

The gift of God in you is a special ability the Lord imparts for the advancement of His work on earth. Scripture describes these as special abilities, given by the same Spirit, though expressed in different ways. They are not self manufactured talents but Spirit empowered capacities meant to serve a divine purpose.

The Bible mentions different kinds of gifts given to believers: the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healings, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, different kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, and showing mercy. Though diverse, they all come from one Spirit and are meant to function in unity. (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12)

No matter your level in the Christian faith, God has deposited something valuable in you. The gift is given freely, but it carries responsibility. God expects you to put it to work for the profit of the body of Christ and for the good of the world. A gift unused becomes dormant. A gift exercised grows stronger and more effective.

Never lose sight of this truth: the Holy Spirit has entrusted you with something significant. Appreciate your gift and deploy it for God’s glory. If you can teach God’s Word with clarity and grace, do not shy away from serving. If you have the grace to give, do not withhold it. If you can lead, lead diligently. If you can encourage, speak life boldly. Refuse to be a passive observer in church or in a hurting world. Step forward and serve.

Remember, God will hold each of us accountable for how we use or neglect what He has given. Stir up the gift. Develop it. Refine it. Use it faithfully.

Read: Matthew 10:8 “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.”

Prayer: Lord, help me to recognize, develop, and faithfully use the gift You have placed within me for Your glory.

Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”

Your words are not empty sounds. They carry creative force. The mouth is one of the most powerful instruments God has given to man. Within it lies the ability to build or to break, to heal or to harm, to advance or to limit. You can speak in a way that strengthens your mind and directs your actions toward life, or you can speak in a way that weakens your resolve and pushes you toward defeat. The choice is yours.

The Bible makes it clear that life and death are in the power of the tongue. This means your words influence not only your environment but also your inner world. What you continually say shapes what you continually think. And what you continually think will eventually shape how you live.

When you speak positively in alignment with God’s Word, you train your mind to focus on truth rather than fear. You renew your thoughts with hope rather than despair. As your thinking changes, your actions begin to follow. Right words produce right thinking, and right thinking produces right living.

You can speak yourself out of discouragement into courage. You can speak yourself out of confusion into clarity. You can speak yourself out of weakness into strength. Never use your mouth to reinforce defeat. Refuse to confess sickness, failure, poverty, and hopelessness over your life.

Do not allow the pressures of life to silence your faith. When circumstances try to cast you down, speak lifting. When challenges arise, speak victory. When fear whispers, answer with faith. Speak what God says, not just what you see.

Read: Job 22:29 “When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.”

Prayer: Lord, help me to speak words that renew my mind, strengthen my faith, and direct my steps in the path of life.