RHEMA From Heaven

Luke 14:28 “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough for its completion?”

Mere desire and admiration for something must not drive you into deciding to have something or to start something. As important as decisions are, mere desire or admiration must not be the only reason or basis on which you make decisions.

Some decisions in life are very crucial; therefore, you need to consider many things before making such decisions. Your considerations must be based on God’s Word and your willingness to follow through on the decision to the end. Not only that, but you must also consider whether you have what it takes in terms of ability and resources to make the decision viable.

For instance, decisions about doing something significant in ministry, building a career, or marriage cannot be made on frivolous grounds. When made wrongly, these decisions can affect the quality of your life for your entire lifetime. You see, the fame that comes with ministry cannot be the reason you decide to play a key role in ministry. Similarly, you cannot use the prestige that comes with certain careers as the basis for your decision. Last but certainly not least, you cannot use beauty or outward expressions as the basis for deciding whom to marry.

As crucial as these decisions are, there is a need to consider them carefully. Using only desires or interests can lead you into difficulties. Look at God’s principles on each subject, consider your ability to handle the decision, and when other people are involved, such as in marriage, assess them thoroughly using biblical principles.

You see, it is better to put in the hard work before making important decisions than to make them and later realize you have given yourself an impossible task to accomplish. Do not rush important decisions. Consider many things, particularly God’s Word, counsel on the subject, and your ability to carry out the task.

Remember, decisions have consequences. They can be good, or they can be adverse. Tread cautiously, but still get going.

Read: Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and show you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”

Prayer: Lord, I ask for Your guidance on the considerations I must make before I take key decisions in my life. Amen.

Genesis 39:7–9 “And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, ‘Lie with me.’ But he refused and said to his master’s wife, ‘Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?’”

Decision-making is a constant feature of our lives. At any given time, we must decide on something, whether to do something or not, whether to take a certain course in life or not. Sometimes, we must also decide how to respond to the requests of people. This makes decision-making difficult at times, though it remains crucial.

In our opening text, we see Joseph, a slave boy, confronted with a difficult decision. He had to choose between engaging in a sexual relationship with his master’s wife to secure her favour or refusing her advances and facing her wrath.

Faced with an opportunity that could have offered him pleasure, influence, and possible advancement, Joseph refused to make a decision that would result in sexual immorality. Though far from home and accountable to no one but God, Joseph remained conscious of God’s presence and chose obedience over personal gain.

Joseph’s story reveals one important truth: favour must be godly. Decisions made in pursuit of favour must never contradict God’s Word. Regardless of the challenges or difficulties you may be facing, making ungodly decisions to secure favour or opportunity will ultimately ruin your life or make your situation worse.

Your decisions in difficult situations reveal your integrity and faithfulness to God. Do not say you “couldn’t help it” and use that as an excuse to make ungodly and pleasure-seeking decisions.

Decisions have consequences. Do not make them unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, thoughtfully, and in accordance with God’s Word.

Read: Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”

Prayer: Lord, help me to value and make godly decisions during difficult times in my life. Amen.

Daniel 1:8 “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”

One of the defining decisions Daniel made in his life was resolving in his heart not to compromise his devotion to God. Living in a foreign land under intense pressure to conform, Daniel chose loyalty to God over personal comfort, favor, or even survival. His decision was not made in the moment of pressure but was settled long before the pressure arose.

Daniel’s life reveals that true obedience is often tested when conformity seems easier and resistance appears costly. The decision Daniel made was very demanding for him and the other three Hebrew boys. Choosing not to defile themselves meant they had to forgo certain comforts and pleasures and endure the pain that accompanied their choice. This was because they were required to eat only vegetables and drink water for a period during their stay in Babylon.

Daniel’s decision reveals that godly character must be established before trials come. Not only that, but also, convictions must be settled before pressure arises.

Do not make decisions that compromise your faith because of fear, convenience, or societal pressure. Standing with God may cost you comfort, popularity, or safety, but compromise will always cost you your testimony or even eternity.

Is your decision pulling you closer to God or pushing you toward compromise? Remember, every decision reveals where your loyalty truly lies.

Just like Daniel, purpose in your heart not to compromise. Even in hostile environments and difficult seasons, remain faithful to God and let your life speak boldly for Him.

Read: Psalm 119:2–3 “What joy overwhelms everyone who keeps the ways of God, those who seek Him as their heart’s passion! They will never do what is wrong but will always choose the paths of the Lord.”

Prayer: Lord, strengthen my convictions and give me the grace to remain faithful to You, even under pressure. Amen.

1 Samuel 24:4, 6 “And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe privily. And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD’S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.”

One of the crucial decisions David made in his life, before becoming a king, was resisting the pressure to kill Saul in order to ascend his throne. Although destined to be the next king of Israel, David decided to wait for his time and season.

David never subscribed to the maxim of “kill him and ascend the throne” promoted by his followers. His knowledge of who Saul was, and his respect for God’s order and authority, made him take an unpopular decision. See David’s comments in 1 Samuel 24:6: “And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD’S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.”

Yes, Saul sought to take the life of David, but David knew that real vengeance belongs to the Lord. Thus, he never decided to repay evil with evil.

You see, do not make decisions to undermine or destroy people because of personal interest. You do not have to ruin people’s lives or destroy their reputation because you think it is your time or that you deserve their position. Know that destiny is fulfilled by obedience, not shortcuts.

Is your decision destroying someone’s work, ministry, marriage, or life? Remember that your decisions have consequences. Now or later, you will reap what you sow.

Just like David, be wise and never make decisions that will destroy people. Even in dire situations, keep your integrity.

Read: Psalm 75:6–7 “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another.”

Prayer: Lord, I pray for grace to make decisions that do not undermine or destroy people. Amen.

2 Samuel 11:2–4 “One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, ‘She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.’ Then David sent messengers to get her…”

The Bible is full of decisions made by individuals, and one such example is King David’s decision concerning Bathsheba. From the opening text, David one day saw a woman named Bathsheba bathing. Because of her beauty, he sent someone to find out more about her. After receiving full information about Bathsheba, the king then decided to send for her in order to engage in sexual relations with her.

You see, from simply seeing a woman bathing, David’s final decision led him into sexual immorality. As shared earlier in this series, decision-making is a daily affair. Everyone makes decisions concerning things, people, and situations they encounter.

King David had several opportunities to make different decisions after seeing Bathsheba bathing. He could have ignored her. He could have decided not to inquire about her. Even after learning that she was married, he could have chosen not to proceed or engage Bathsheba in any form of relationship whatsoever.

Instead, David made a decision that led to sexual immorality, followed by a series of further decisions aimed at covering up the consequences. This eventually resulted in the killing of Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband, who was one of David’s soldiers.

These decisions brought severe consequences upon David and his household. The Bible records in 2 Samuel 12 some of these consequences, including that the sword would never depart from his house and that his wives would be publicly violated in broad daylight.

Thus, David’s decisions plunged his life and family into chaos and shame.

As a Christian, understand that one wrong decision can affect your family, leadership, and legacy. Do not be driven solely by personal comfort or pleasure when making decisions. Your choices must honor God and reflect your integrity as a believer. Do not assume that a decision is private or secret, because its consequences may be visible to all.

Read: Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”

Prayer: Lord, I pray for grace to make godly and wise decisions. Amen.

1 Kings 18:21 “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? If the LORD be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.”

When it comes to decision-making, there is no neutral ground. Either you make a decision or you choose not to make one. Interestingly, choosing not to decide when a decision is required is itself a decision. In other words, indecision is also a decision.

As revealed in our opening text, people often become stuck in indecisiveness. Being indecisive never brings progress, especially when the decision to be made is crucial. Those who attempt to remain neutral when decisions are required only delay their growth and hinder their advancement in life.

Never make indecision a habit. Whether it concerns your personal life, ministry, career choices, financial matters, marriage, or any other important area, seek the right principles, sound knowledge, and godly guidance in order to make informed decisions.

Delaying a decision can cost you, and refusing to make one can cost you as well. Do not remain in the valley of decision.

Read: Joel 3:14 “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.”

Prayer: Lord, grant me wisdom and courage to make timely and godly decisions, and deliver me from the trap of indecision. Amen.

Deuteronomy 30:19 “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”

One of the greatest opportunities God has given man is that of decision-making. As Christians, God has given us free will to make decisions. However, this important element of our lives must be exercised with great caution and with an understanding of God’s will on the subject under consideration.

You see, decision-making is something we do daily. Some decisions are minor, while others are major. For instance, decisions about the clothes to wear, places to visit, and novels to read are minor, while decisions concerning career paths, education, marriage, and finance are major due to the grave consequences the latter have over the former.

In decision-making, you make a choice about something after thinking about several possibilities. These decisions, when rightly made, set your life on the path to greatness; on the other hand, when wrongly made, they can become a lifetime nightmare.

You see, decisions determine the quality of your future. Life outcomes such as success, failure, stability, or chaos are usually traceable to decisions made earlier. Thus, decisions carry consequences. Whether immediate or delayed, visible or hidden, they are inevitable.

Be wise when it comes to decision-making. Be guided by accurate information, and make room for counsel. Never make decisions carelessly; it can cost you.

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, I pray for grace and wisdom to make good decisions in life. Amen.

1 Samuel 1:9, 12–15 “Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s house. As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving, but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, ‘How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.’
‘Not so, my lord,’ Hannah replied, ‘I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord.’”

The account of Hannah’s time of prayer at Shiloh and her encounter with Eli the priest has much to teach us as we go about our daily lives.

Without doubt, Hannah was a deeply troubled woman. She had been married for years without a child. At this point, nothing seemed able to bring her joy (1 Samuel 1:8). Unable to bear the pain any longer, Hannah, in deep anguish, prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly.

Nonetheless, her manner of prayer being unconventional attracted the attention of the priest, Eli, who assumed she was drunk from the feast. Without hesitation, he wrongly rebuked her as though she were a woman given to drunkenness.

Despite this painful misunderstanding, Hannah’s response positioned her for a blessing. In her distress and in the face of accusation, she replied to the priest with reverence. Observe her response in verse 15: “No, my lord, I am a woman with a despairing spirit. I have not been drinking wine or any intoxicating drink, but I have poured out my soul before the Lord.”

Immediately after this honorable and reverential response, the priest pronounced a blessing upon her. See 1 Samuel 1:17: “Then Eli answered and said, ‘Go in peace; and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of Him.’” This marked the end of her long-standing trouble and shame.

While this passage teaches us not to be quick to condemn others when we are not fully informed, one major lesson from Hannah is the importance of reverence for people, especially God’s servants or priests.

Do not disregard or show disrespect to people in the name of being “hard-pressed.” Even when treated unfairly, respond with dignity and reverence. That posture positions you for greatness. However, this begins with building a life and character that honors people, and holds God’s priests in high regard. It is a character that will pay off greatly one day.

Read: James 1:19 “Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (AMP).

Prayer: Lord, I pray for the grace to build a life that honors people and Your priests. Amen.

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

Life is a journey filled with unexpected challenges. Even the strongest among us face seasons of trial, difficulty, and discouragement. Proverbs 24:10 warns that fainting in adversity reveals weakness. Yet, as believers, we are not left helpless. John 16:33 assures us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

True strength does not come from human might but from wisdom and reliance on God. Proverbs 24:5 reminds us, “A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.” In moments of trial, lean on God’s wisdom and guidance rather than succumbing to fear, doubt, or hasty decisions.

Challenges are opportunities for spiritual, emotional, and moral growth. Every trial strengthens your faith, deepens your character, and prepares you for greater victories. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things together for our good. Even when the path seems unclear, God is orchestrating your life for His glory.

Do not shrink back. Let each difficulty you encounter make you more resilient, deepen your trust in God, and strengthen your commitment to His purposes. The trials you endure today are laying the foundation for triumph tomorrow.

Read: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Prayer: Father, strengthen me and reveal Your power in my moments of weakness. Help me to stand firm and trust You completely. Amen.

Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Considering other translations of our opening text helps to clarify its meaning even further.
The New Living Translation says, “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”
The English Standard Version renders it, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

The word “you” is central in this instruction. It highlights personal responsibility in fulfilling what God requires. Most often than not, people fail to make progress in life or fall short of God’s purpose because they become reactionary. Instead of obeying God’s Word, they place conditions on it based on the attitudes or actions of other people.

There are times when what God requires of you is completely independent of what others may do or think. For example, when it comes to peace and unity, God’s Word is clear: as far as it depends on you, play your part and do what is expected of you.

Many people miss this important truth. They live as though nothing depends on them. Yet, to a great extent, peace, healthy relationships, and even a joyful marriage depend on you. Do not wait for others to initiate it. Take responsibility.

Remember this: in any given situation, you cannot control everything, but you can control how you act, react, and respond. When you embrace this truth, you will understand that you largely determine whether you rise or fall.

Read: Romans 14:19“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.”

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to take responsibility for my actions and to pursue peace wholeheartedly, as far as it depends on me. Amen.