RHEMA From Heaven

Luke 14:28,31
“So don’t follow me without considering what it will cost you. For who would construct a house before first sitting down to estimate the cost to complete it? [31] Have you ever heard of a commander who goes out to war without first sitting down with strategic planning to determine the strength of his army to win the war against a stronger opponent?” (TPT)

Every decision you want to make in life must be preceded by deep reflection and careful consideration of its consequences and implications. Achieving desired results from decisions takes work. You must evaluate your options, estimate the impact of your choices, seek good counsel, pray, be divinely guided, and engage wisdom.

The magnitude of work that goes into making decisions must never be taken lightly. Failure or poor outcomes often result when you neglect rigorous mental work or fail to avail yourself of divine guidance.

Every decision also comes with a cost. When you carefully reflect on what you are about to do, you can discern what it will demand of you — in time, effort, commitment, or sacrifice. This reflection helps you determine whether you have what it takes in terms of capacity, wisdom, skill, character, and resources — whether financial or human — to fulfill the demands that come with your decision.

Many people fail in life or never realize their potential because they approach decisions carelessly. Some are drawn only to the status or reward that comes from their choices and overlook the duties, discipline, and price required to sustain them.

What decision are you considering today? Is it about your career, further studies, a relationship leading to marriage, ministry, or travel? These are critical issues that, when handled wrongly, can have lasting consequences. A wrong decision can cost you your purpose, delay your progress, or leave you living with regrets.

Whatever you choose to do, THINK WELL. Assess your risks and returns. Evaluate your capacity to deliver. Count the cost, and be prepared to put in the hard work and perseverance needed for success.

Read: 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.”

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to make wise and thoughtful decisions, and strengthen me to work diligently toward success. Amen.

Philippians 2:13
“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”

Every believer has the ability to do the will of God. You are fully equipped to live a life that pleases Him. The Amplified Bible explains it beautifully: “For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.”

The Scripture makes it clear that God is effectively working in you. This means you cannot fail in life. There is a divine force and heavenly energy actively empowering you to fulfill your purpose. Many people think living the Christian life is difficult or that doing God’s will is burdensome, but that is not true. The struggle only comes when you try to do everything by your own effort and strength.

True peace and joy come when you let God take charge of your life. The Christian life becomes fulfilling when you allow Him to lead, guide, and work through you. God never demands what you cannot do. If He commands you to please Him and live according to His will, He also provides the power and grace to make it possible.

The Word says, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” In another place, it declares, “According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness.” (2 Peter 1:3). You already have everything you need to live for God and walk in His purpose.

Do not be swayed by those who say it is impossible to do God’s will or that Christianity is too demanding. Set your heart and focus on the Lord. As you yield to Him daily, you will find strength, joy, and fulfillment in your new life in Christ.

Read: Proverbs 3:5-6  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight”.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for working in me both to will and to do Your good pleasure. Strengthen me daily to walk in obedience and help me live out Your perfect will with joy and confidence.

2 Timothy 2:15
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Studying is a vital part of our Christian walk. You cannot be an effective believer if your mind is not renewed with the truth of God’s Word. Just as your spirit must be alive to God, your mind must also be enlightened by the Gospel. It is through this that you can practically live out the new life of Christ in the natural world.

Studying involves giving your time, focus, and attention to gaining knowledge and understanding of a specific subject. It involves thoughtful investigation, reflection, and careful analysis. For a believer, this means dedicating time to know the things of God, the principles of His Kingdom, and the truths that strengthen your fellowship with Him.

Until you commit yourself to disciplined and consistent study, your relationship with God will remain shallow. You must dig deep into the Word to present yourself before God as one who is well-prepared and grounded. Studying the Scriptures is one of the greatest means to personal transformation. It builds a strong foundation in truth, enabling you to discern between sound doctrine and error. A believer who studies the Word becomes spiritually stable, able to stand firm against false teachings and deception.

Studying also unveils the truths and principles that lead to success in life. Through study, you discover divine laws and principles that govern victorious living. These principles include diligence, honesty, humility, prayer, faith, love, and perseverance . When these principles crystallize in your heart, they shape your character, direct your decisions, and position you for lasting success both spiritually and naturally.

Also, the wisdom gained from studying God’s Word empowers you to engage your faith effectively when faced with difficulties, and to respond to life’s challenges with divine insight and maturity.

Don’t  rely solely on zeal without knowledge. Such zeal without understanding cannot last. When the initial excitement fades, you will easily lose direction.

You see, God desires believers who are diligent and studious. Don’t rush through Scripture. Take time to study it in context and with understanding. Remember, neglecting study makes one spiritually ineffective and vulnerable over time.

Read: 2 Timothy 2:15 (AMP)  “Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth.”

Prayer: Lord, help me to be diligent in studying Your Word. Open my understanding to the truths that transform, and let Your wisdom guide me in all things.

Proverbs 31:10 “An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who can find her? Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls.”

One of the noblest aspirations every young woman should have is to become a model of the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31. This is one of the greatest needs of our world today.

It is a great misconception to equate womanhood solely with physical beauty. Proverbs 31 places emphasis on a woman of strong character, deep wisdom, inner strength, diverse skills, and great compassion. These are the true qualities that define a noble woman.

Becoming a virtuous woman is not automatic simply because one is born female. It is a product of intentional growth and discipline. You must build capacity through learning, practice, and consistency before you can embody the traits of a woman of character, wisdom, skill, and compassion.

Your value as a lady does not lie in outward beauty but in the positive impact you make in your home, family, workplace, community, church, and nation.

As a young woman, pay the price to develop your potential to its fullest. Spending endless hours before a mirror for the sake of appearance holds little meaning if you neglect the weightier virtues of character and purpose.

As parents, teachers, mentors, and friends, we share the responsibility of nurturing and inspiring young women to live virtuously. We must resist the culture of mediocrity that produces women without moral depth or spiritual strength.

Let us rise to the call to shape a generation of women who will become godly mothers, faithful wives, visionary leaders, and steadfast Christians—women whose lives will reflect the beauty of holiness and strength of purpose.

Read: Proverbs 14:1 “The wise woman builds her house [on a foundation of godly precepts, and her household thrives], but the foolish one [who lacks spiritual insight] tears it down with her own hands [by ignoring godly principles].”

Prayer: Lord, we pray that women everywhere will receive the grace to build capacity and become truly virtuous in heart, mind, and character.

Proverbs 4:1–2 “Hear, O children, the instruction of a father, and pay attention [and be willing to learn] so that you may gain understanding and intelligent discernment. For I give you good doctrine; do not turn away from my instruction.”

One of the keys to success in life is learning to listen to instruction. There is nothing more valuable than receiving sound teaching and guidance from those who genuinely care about your growth and progress.

Those who instruct you, whether parents, teachers, or spiritual leaders, do so because they have your best interest at heart. They desire to see you succeed and avoid needless pain. That is why they give direction, correction, and counsel.

As a Christian, you must recognize the sources of instruction in your life. First, God, your heavenly Father, has given clear direction through His Word. Second, your parents are placed in your life to guide you through practical wisdom and experience. Third, your pastors and teachers serve as spiritual guides, helping you walk in understanding and purpose.

Sadly, many people miss out on the best of life because they ignore instruction or resist correction. Some were never properly guided, while others simply chose to disregard the wisdom given to them. Yet, instruction, though sometimes uncomfortable or restrictive, is a tool for preservation and promotion.

Instead of arguing or rebelling, choose to listen, obey, and willingly follow godly and wise instructions. It is the path to honor, stability, and success.

Do not treat instruction as a mere suggestion. Take it seriously, and you will stand out in life.

Read: Proverbs 1:8 “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.”

Prayer: Lord, I pray for grace and wisdom to listen to instruction. Amen

Jeremiah 17:11 “Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay are those who gain riches by unjust means. When their lives are half gone, their riches will desert them, and in the end they will prove to be fools.”

There are many ways to pursue riches: your way, the world’s way, and God’s way. Each of these may produce results, but only prosperity that comes from God is lasting, generational, and free from sorrow.

Proverbs 16:25 warns: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Not every path leads to safety. True prosperity must be pursued God’s way.

The story of Achan in Joshua 7 is a sober example. He tried to prosper by stealing from what was devoted to God, but it brought destruction upon him and his entire household:

“And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor. And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones.” (Joshua 7:24–25).

Sadly, many today are walking in the same steps, seeking wealth through corruption, fraud, bribery, and immorality. But the end is certain: shame and destruction in the “Valley of Achor.”

Remember, it is God’s will for you to prosper in every area of life (3 John 1:2). Don’t destroy your destiny in the quest for riches. Prosper God’s way because there is no safer path.

Read: Genesis 39:3 “And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.”

Prayer: Lord, I choose Your way. Prosper the work of my hands and keep me from paths that lead to destruction.

1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].”

The journey of life sometimes brings us to places where we silently ask, “Does God care at all?” Difficulties, delays, near-success experiences, disappointments, and unanswered prayers often stretch our faith beyond what feels bearable. In such moments we wrestle with questions in our walk with God: Why the delay? Why this hardship? Am I left behind in career, family life, finances, health, or purpose? Is it really worth choosing the way of God and surrendering my life to Him?

Yet, despite these struggles, one truth remains unshaken: God cares. His care is not casual but deep, intentional, and unfailing. Jesus said, “Consider the birds—do you think they worry about their existence? They don’t plant or reap or store up food, yet your heavenly Father provides them each with food. Aren’t you much more valuable to your Father than they?” (Matthew 6:26 TPT).

God’s care for you goes far beyond your own care for yourself. He knows your needs, understands your struggles, and desires your good more than you could ever imagine. Instead of sinking into despair, you are called to live out His Word. Be thankful for where you are today and faithful with what you have now. Engage your faith and love without wavering, and remain diligent, trusting His perfect timing.

Your journey with God is not in vain. He is not wicked, nor does evil come from Him. He is just, loving, and faithful. Never let the pressures of life cause you to undermine His goodness. Scripture assures us that “God, the Faithful One, is not unfair. How can he forget the beautiful work you have done for him…” (Hebrews 6:10 TPT).

Read: Matthew 7:11 TPT- “If you, though imperfect, can care deeply for your children and always desire the best for them, how much more will your heavenly Father be ready to give good gifts to those who ask Him?”

Prayer: Lord, I thank You because You care for me. Help me to rest in Your love. Amen.

Psalm 34:5 “They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.”

Who you choose to look up to in life determines how far you will go and how firmly you can stand in times of trial. Every person makes a choice, either to look up to man, or to God. Sadly, many rely on human strength, forgetting that God calls us to the opposite, to lift our eyes to Him.

When you look to man, you are bound to encounter limitations, disappointments, and shame. But when you fix your gaze on God, you are secured, sustained, and lifted above life’s storms. Scripture assures us that no one who ever looked to God was put to shame. To look up to Him is to place your trust and dependence on His unfailing strength.

Often, people say things like “I’m trusting God” or “Let’s see what God will do.” Yet, in their hearts, their hope rests on people, systems, or other sources. True faith means seeing God as your only Source, your rock, fortress, deliverer, and strong tower. David testified of this when he declared:
“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” (Psalm 18:2)

Looking up to God is not a passive act. It is an active decision of faith. It means aligning your prayers, expectations, and actions with His Word, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. The more you keep your eyes on Him, the more your heart will be filled with light, and the less room fear, shame, and despair will have in your life.

Beloved, where are your eyes fixed? On man, or on God? Shift your focus upward. He is too faithful to fail, and He will never put you to shame.

Read: Jeremiah 17:5 “Thus says the LORD: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the LORD.’”

Prayer: Lord, help me to keep my eyes fixed on You alone. Teach me to trust You as my only Source, and let my life be a testimony of Your faithfulness. Amen.

Isaiah 53:4–5 says “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed.”

God’s Word concerning sickness and disease is final and absolute. The Bible declares that Jesus took our infirmities and carried away our sicknesses. This means you, as a child of God, are not meant to live in sickness. Healing is not something you are waiting for God to do because Jesus already accomplished it through His death and resurrection.

Beloved, your health has already been secured in Christ. You must reject the lie that God wants you sick or that He is unwilling to intervene in your physical condition. The work of Christ on the cross settled both your salvation and your healing. The Bible says, “by His stripes you were healed” (1 Peter 2:24). Notice it says were healed in the past tense. Healing is not a promise for the future but a reality already made available for you to walk in today.

Think of it this way: if someone comes into your house and carries away your belongings, you no longer have them in your possession. In the same way, Jesus bore and carried away your sickness. Since He carried it away, it has no legal right to remain in your body. Any affliction that tries to linger is not from God but from the devil, who seeks to keep people in bondage.

Therefore, do not tolerate sickness in your body. Stand on the finished work of Christ and claim your healing by faith. Confess boldly that health and wholeness are yours in Christ Jesus. Refuse to accommodate what Christ already carried away.

Read: 1 Peter 2:24 “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness, by whose stripes ye were healed.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank You for taking away my sicknesses and diseases, and I receive health and wholeness in Your name. Amen.

Galatians 5:7
“You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth?” (NLT)

The Christian life is often likened to a race, and the mark of true success in this race is obedience. To walk with God is to live in continual surrender and obedience to His will. Yet, challenges, distractions, and even people can rise up to interfere with our devotion and keep us from obeying the truth. That is why the Apostle Paul asked the Galatians, “Who hindered you?”

To run well means to remain steadfast and consistent in obedience, regardless of what comes our way. It is not enough to start well; God desires that we also finish well. Situations will test your resolve, voices will question your conviction, and worldly philosophies will attempt to dilute your faith. But remember, anything that pulls you away from obeying Christ is a hindrance to your race.

We live in a world where truth is often misrepresented, watered down, or outrightly opposed. In the same way, the Galatians were tempted to return to empty traditions, today we too face pressures that try to draw us back into compromise. But the Word of God exhorts us: Run well. Guard your obedience. Stay rooted in Christ.

Beloved, let obedience be your hallmark. Let nothing rob you of the blessing of finishing your race with joy. When obedience becomes your lifestyle, you will not only experience God’s goodness but also carry His testimony to the end.

Read: Colossians 2:6–8 “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”

Prayer: Father, strengthen me with grace to walk in complete obedience to Your Word. I pray that nothing will hinder me from running well and finishing well. Amen.