RHEMA From Heaven

Romans 1:16“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

There are things to be ashamed of and there are things that you need not to be ashamed of. As a Christian you must be ashamed of associating with sin and the evil standards of this world. You must be ashamed of not standing for what you believe. On the contrary, there are things you must also not be ashamed of or about. You must never be ashamed of your union with the Lord or the Lord’s business of winning souls.

In our opening text, the Bible admonished us not to be ashamed of the gospel. As a Christian you must be ready to associate with the gospel- the message about Jesus coming to the world, his death, his burial, his resurrection and his ascension.

You must never dissociate yourself from this great gospel which is the power of God that brings salvation to mankind. In Mark 8:38 the Bible says, “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

In 2 Corinthians 10:8 the amplified bible reads “For even though I boast rather freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed [of the truth],

2 Timothy 1:8  also says, “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;”

You see, there is something to stand for as a Christian. You must not be a passive, and an undecisive person. You must be seriously engaged in this heavenly business of preaching the gospel at all cost.

As a matter of fact, any change that the world needs today is in the gospel. That’s where the power of God is revealed. The power of God is available only to confirm God’s Word with signs and wonders (Mark 16:25). When you don’t preach, you deny others of the opportunity to get saved. Bible says:

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14)

Proverbs 16:25 “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death”

God does things for His children. Nonetheless, it is in His sole discretion to choose the way in which he will do whatever He promises. As Christians, we must learn to know the ways of God.

You see, the ways of God are distinct and unique from the ways of men. Thus, going your own way instead of the ways of God gets you into error. So, the fact that something seems right doesn’t necessarily make it right. You must submit to the leadings of God to be in His ways

When something seems right to you doesn’t mean that it is of God. So when any way seems right, you must first and foremost check whether it agrees with the ways of God. Don’t just give in to anyway because of the impression you may have about it being right when in actual fact it is not.

You see, the sure way for a Christian to fulfill any God given purpose is by going God’s way. Following any other way will only lead you into destruction. Don’t just follow things in life because someone said it is right or it “looks like” it is right. Search out the truth for yourself before you get into a “wild goose chase”.

For instance, when the Israelites departed from Egypt after their 430 years stay, God instructed them to use a way that would take them almost 40 years even though they have an option to use an alternative route that was easy in terms of duration. But whose way should they use? Theirs or God’s

Don’t follow “it seems right” to start anything in life. Whether a relationship, ministry, or a business venture, never use the “it seems right” formula. Use the word of God as basis for deciding on what to do or what not to do.

Read: Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

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Proverbs 20:5
“Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out”

Godly counsel matters in life. It is one thing you cannot do away with in life. It helps you to travel safe in life. It is therefore important to open your heart and submit to godly counsel.

You must know that counsellors play a crucial role in everyone’s journey to the top. This is why the bible from the Old Testament to the New Testament has recorded critical roles played by counsellors. A typical example are counsellors that helped the Kings and the judges to rule (Esther 1:13, 2 Chronicles 25:16, Ezra 8:25). Thus, the role of godly counsellors and their counsel cannot be overemphasized or undermined in anyway in this life.

The Bible says that, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). Thus, the absence of counsel can lead to your failure in life. So, whether you will “stand tall or fall” in life, it will be dependent on the kind counsel you will receive.

A person may receive counsel from God’s word through diligent study. You can also receive counsel from your pastor, teacher or shepherd. Isaiah 30:21 says ‘…. but thine eyes shall see thy teachers: And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left”
Jeremiah 3:15 also says “Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding”.

You see, despite the wisdom, enlightenment, and experience that counsellors or an anointed man of God will share with you, IT TAKES HUMILITY on your part to travel with it. Many today don’t lack counsellors, neither do they lack counsel, BUT THEY LACK THE HUMILITY that will make them accept the counsel they receive or are receiving.

It is lack of humility or pride that have deprived most people from success even though they have access to godly counsel.

Are you humble enough to receive godly counsel? what have you done about the counsel you received concerning your career, self-development, discipline, relationship, marriage, education, etc. Is pride making you think you know better, or is the “facade worldview” projected on social media making you reject a sound and godly wisdom? Well, anyone who rejects counsel will eventually miss out on a great opportunity- it is a matter of time.

Read: Proverbs 11:14 “Where there is no [wise, intelligent] guidance, the people fall [and go off course like a ship without a helm], But in the abundance of [wise and godly] counselors there is victory”(AMP)

Psalm 81:10
“I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it”

There is no limit or restriction to what God can do for you as a Christian. The only limitation has to do with your capacity to ask and receive. In Psalm 81, God told his people to open their mouth wide and He will fill it. Meaning that, how wide they open their mouth by requesting or making demands in his name will determine the provisions that will be made available for them.

No wonder the Bible says in Psalm 8:2 that, “OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES AND SUCKLINGS HAST THOU ORDAINED STRENGTH because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger”

Live with this truth that, your mouth as a believer is a powerful weapon. You can use it to chart the course of your life. Many or most people have only restricted their mouths to only eating, drinking and engaging in social chats. But there is more to your mouth. It can talk, it can say things, it can chart the course of your life, it can confess positive things, it can bring you favour.

You see, despite the fact that God is all powerful, but until you speak out, many things will be at a “stand still”. God has ordained strength in your mouth as a Christian but you need to speak out.

Our opening text, shows how God is committed to responding to the words that we speak as believers. Although God is not limited in knowledge and knows all things including the thoughts and desires of men. He said, make known your request by “opening your mouth”. In order words, ask him of big things.

This subject matter of confession and declaration has not been fully engaged by many believers. In fact, the saddest thing is that, instead of asking God for great things, many believers are wasting their time in prayer meetings with the screams of “fire! fire!! fire!!!” against a defeated enemy.
This is one major reason why most believers are not succeeding in life and are also not achieving great things. You see, you must be determined not to waste your breath on “unscriptural prayer topics”.

Remember that, the world is not going to be moved by your shouts but your results.

Never limit God in your mind. Open your mouth wide and ask him for great things. Be specific and make known your request to the Lord Almighty. Know and believe that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20)

Dare to ask big things from the Lord. Open your mouth wide and God will fill it. For there is nothing He God cannot do.

Read: Psalm 2:8, ”Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.”

Habakkuk 3:16-17
“When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops. Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:”

God has many precious promises for every child of His. Nonetheless, God’s promise does not exempt the believer from challenges. In the midst of all these great promises we are sometimes confronted with daring situations. These challenges come to everyone, to both believers and unbelievers alike. Nevertheless, in the face of these happenings you must still praise your way through.

Charles Wesley in one of his songs wrote “Through all the changing scenes of life, in trouble and in joy, the praises of my God shall still my heart and tongue employ”. The second stanza also says “Of his deliverance I will boast, till all that are distressed from my example comfort take and charm their griefs to rest”.

You see, for the Christian nothing must take away your praise. You must praise God for who He is. His praise must not be dependent on what you are going through. This act of faith and love is what brings God to act on your behalf.

For instance, the Bible tells of how the Israelites met great challenge or opposition on their way to inherit their promise. Thus, although God promised them a good and large land, flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:7-8), they had challenges on the way. They had issues to deal with. Not with God, not with the promises of God, but with other people, with systems and with enemies.

Given all these uncertain happenings, God instructed them to go around the walls of this city with trumpets, praising him (Joshua 6:1-5). You see, praising God is and must not be compromised because of what you are going through. As a matter of “truth”, your praise in daring times is what will turn situations to your favour.

You must understand that one can’t breakthrough in life by crying, complaining or getting depressed over challenges. Rather, your breakthrough is in your Praise. When the promise of God to you is delayed, don’t resolve to complains, rather Praise your way through.
Your praise is a sign of faith. Jesus said in John 20:29 “…blessed are they that has not yet seen but believes”. Praising God for what you have not yet seen shows great Faith. God honours faith.

Your praise will bring down walls, break limitations and will bring down every stumbling block on your way.

Read: Psalm 100:4 “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”

Acts 4:12 “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

There can be several ways of doing some things in life. Some of the ways may be good whiles others may be bad. Some too can be tough, and others may be easy. This fact notwithstanding, when it comes to a person being saved or connecting with the Lord to have a personal relationship, there is only one way. The way is Jesus. In John 14:6, the Bible says “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”

You see, there are not several ways of being saved or having a relationship with God. It is a one-way route. No Jesus, no relationship with God. No one can successfully have a relationship with God without Jesus. In order words, you can’t be saved without Jesus.

Jesus is the only meditator between God and man. 1 Timothy 2:5 says, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;”. This means that, Jesus is the only one that can truly connect us to God. He is only one that has met the requirements of justice for our total liberation and justification. God has set him forth, by divine order to be the propitiation (reconciliation) for our sins (Romans 3:25).

In 1 John 2:2, the Bible says, “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
Therefore, the Apostle Peter under the inspiration of the Spirit said, “neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved except the name of Jesus” (Acts 4: 10, 12).

Never be deceived by any “strange teachings” that does not magnify and show Jesus as the savoir. Always know that “essence” of the gospel is Jesus. Don’t know this truth for yourself, tell others as well.
Tell the world that Jesus is the only way to the father- the almighty God. It is in Christ that we are accepted by God.

Read: John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

2 Corinthians 4:13 “Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak”.

It is one thing to believe God for something and another thing to receive from Him that which you believe.

Anytime you believe, you have a firm assurance that God will deliver on his word or will meet your expectations. But the truth is, believing alone will not get the job done. You must add your “words” to what you believe. In other words, you must confess that which you believe. You set your faith loose when you say what you believe. You speak or say what you believe. You don’t “think” what you believe but rather you confess it.

That is why the Bible says “we also believe, and so we also speak”. You see, your faith in God demands expression. You must not believe in God and hide the expression of it.

Mark 11:22-23 gives the account of how Jesus taught his disciples on this subject. Jesus taught them to have faith in God and to express it by saying it. See Mark 11:22-23 “So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says”.

You can’t believe God for something and keep mute. If you believe God for your healing and health, you must keep confessing his word on that. If you believe God for your finances, you must make that your confession. You see, until you release faith-filled words, you limit the manifestation of your results in life.

 It is not enough to know the word mentally. You must believe in it and make it your confession. This is how you can make the word of God real in your life.

Always learn to vocalize your faith no matter the situation you face and it shall be unto you according to your faith.

READ: Mark 11:23, “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.”

2 Corinthians 3:5 “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God”. One version also puts it this way, “Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God”.

The Greek word from which the word “sufficiency” was translated also means ability or competency to do a thing. Thus the heading “our sufficiency is from God” can also be rendered ‘our ability or competency to do is from God”. God is the one who equips us to stand out in life.  As believers our competency, adequacy and satisfactoriness is from the Lord.

You see, your being and your making can only be attributed to God and nothing else. The Bible says, “not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves, BUT OUR SUFFICIENCY IS OF GOD”. Acts 17:28 also says “for in him we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said, We are his offspring”.

You see, you don’t get to the top or accomplish great things because of your “own smartness” or special skills. No matter what you think, every skill and wisdom you have is a divine endowment. What you have, your achievements and your status in life was dispensed to you by the grace of God.

Apostle John in his account revealed that whatever we have, whether a gift, grace, or a skill is given to us from heaven. John 3:27, “John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven”.

Knowing this truth will cause you to walk humbly with the Lord and also help you overcome the pride of life. You see, to pride in yourself about your achievements and what you have can take your eyes off God’s Grace. It is therefore IMPORTANT to know WHAT you have and WHO you are because of God’s sufficiency.

Never attribute anything you have been made to enjoy and benefit from to your own efforts. You see, the Bible says, by strength shall no man prevail. Your strength has a limitation. It takes God to get you into having all sufficiency.

READ: Philippians 4:13 (AMP) “I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]”