RHEMA From Heaven

Fasting is a powerful spiritual exercise with great significance. It helps believers become more receptive to God, serving as a moment of reflection, meditation, and solitude with the Lord.

Fasting remains a vital and relevant practice for Christians today. Never assume that fasting has lost its importance for New Testament believers. Jesus Himself stated that when the bridegroom (Himself) is taken away, His disciples will fast (Matthew 9:15). This confirms that fasting is an essential part of our Christian journey.

However, fasting without following God’s principles will be fruitless. Anyone who engages in this spiritual exercise must fast the right way. One crucial principle is that fasting must be unto the Lord, not to impress people. Seeking human validation or trying to prove a point through fasting will bring no spiritual reward.

True fasting comes from the heart, not just outward actions. It is not merely about abstaining from food, wearing a sad face, or following rituals. God must be at the center of your fasting. It should be a solemn time of genuinely seeking His face and waiting on Him.

When done the right way, fasting produces powerful results and attracts God’s blessings.

Read: Joel 2:12
“Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Prayer: Lord, I pray for the grace to fast the right way. Amen.

As a Christian, you may live in this world, but you do not belong to it. To be “of the world” means that the world is your source, your identity, and your reason for living. But that is not the reality of the believer. You are not a product of this world; you are born of God.

John 1:12-13 confirms this: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” Your identity and source come from God alone, not from the systems of this fallen world.
This world operates on principles and values that are in direct opposition to God’s Word. Why? Because the ruler of this world is the devil. Jesus Himself called him the prince of this world. In John 14:30, He declared, “I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me.”

Like Jesus, you must never allow the world to have a hold on you. Don’t let its influence shape your thinking, values, or way of life.
Jesus made it clear in John 15:18-19: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”

The opposition, rejection, and hostility you face as a believer are not accidental—they happen because you are different. The world fights anything that does not conform to its sinful and corrupt ways. But you are not called to fit in; you are called to stand out.
So don’t conform to the twisted standards of this sin-ruled, devil-controlled world. Your life is governed by a higher authority—God’s Word. That is your reality, your system, and your foundation. Live by the Word, not by the world.

Read: Romans 12:2 “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think”

Prayer: Lord, I pray for grace to standout in this world, Amen.

Sin thrives in secrecy, but as a believer, you are no longer a slave to its power.
The moment you are born again, sin loses its hold over you. Scripture declares, “Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace” (Romans 6:14). Nonetheless, the moment you mask up sin, keeping it in your life in the dark, you allow its grip over your life.

You are never powerless against sin. The idea that you “can’t help it” is a lie. Jesus Himself said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). As one redeemed by Christ, you always have a choice—either to walk in righteousness or to fall into sin.

As a Christian, you need to put the “old self” to death. In other words, you must starve every desire that leads you away from God’s will. However, this cannot happen if you keep your struggles hidden in darkness.

The power of sin is broken when it is exposed to the light. As a believer, you must not conceal wrongdoing. Instead, confess it to God, and when necessary, seek the counsel of mature Christians who can help you overcome sinful habits and influences.

Keeping sin in the dark only strengthens its grip on you. Covering it up will not lead to progress or prosperity. (Proverbs 28:13).

Read: James 5:16 – “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

Prayer: Lord, I pray for grace to overcome any sinful habits. Amen

Proverbs 14:12 also says “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”
It is important to know that the road you take determines where you end up. Every decision, every step, and every choice is leading you somewhere. The simple truth to remember is that no one reaches their destination by following the wrong route. If your goal is to succeed in ministry, relationships, marriage, or finances, then you must be intentional about the path you choose. The wrong path will never lead to the right destination.

As a believer, you cannot afford to live by guesswork or follow the crowd blindly. There is a huge difference between what seems right and what is right. Many bad decisions appear harmless at first. Some things look good on the surface but are filled with hidden dangers. Sin often wears an attractive disguise, and deception always comes packaged as wisdom. These are the very reasons why you must be careful before choosing a particular course or path in life.

As a Christian, you must know what influences your decisions. Is it God’s Word, or is it the ever-changing opinions of society? If you are going to make it in life, you must not let the noise of social media, ungodly advice, or popular culture dictate your choices. In today’s world, many people are being led astray by influencers, misleading information, and the pressure to fit in. But here’s the truth: not everything that is trending is true, and not everything that is popular is right.

See what Micah 6:8 says “The LORD God has told us what is right and what He demands…”

From today, dare to be different. The right path is rarely the easy one. It is narrow, demanding, and often unpopular. But it is also the path that leads to peace, purpose, and eternal life. It is the road of discipline, integrity, and unwavering faith in God. Nonetheless, you don’t have to walk on this path alone—God’s grace is available to guide and strengthen you every step of the way.

Read: Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

Prayer: Lord, I don’t want to live by guesswork. Help me to recognize the right path and walk in it.

Many believe that the only way to overcome opposition is through force and aggression. However, the Bible teaches that love is a powerful weapon that can lead to victory without conflict.

Love has the ability to win in every situation. When you choose love, you position yourself for lasting peace and triumph. True strength is not in destruction but in the ability to show love, even in the face of opposition.

The Bible recounts a moment when the Syrians sought to attack Israel (2 Kings 6:18-23). Instead of engaging in battle, Elisha prayed for the enemy’s army to be struck with blindness, leading them unknowingly into the hands of the king of Israel. However, rather than ordering their destruction, the Israelites showed kindness. They gave their enemies food and drink before sending them back to their land.

As recorded in 2 Kings 6:22-23:

“And he answered, ‘Thou shalt not smite them; wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.’ And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.”

Through this simple act of love, Israel gained a victory without shedding blood. Their enemies withdrew and never returned. Love broke the cycle of war and brought lasting peace.

Choosing love over retaliation is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom. When faced with conflict, responding with love disarms the enemy, turns hearts, and opens the door for divine intervention. Jesus Himself demonstrated this principle, teaching that love has the power to transform even the hardest of hearts (Matthew 5:44). Just as Elisha and the Israelites overcame their enemies through love, we too can experience victory when we choose to respond with kindness, patience, and grace.

Read: 1 Corinthians 16:14 “Do everything in love”

Prayer: Lord, I pray for grace to walk in love in the face of opposition

How we deal with people and how we treat them reveal their significance in our lives. From the passage above, Jesus redefines who a neighbor is. To Him, a neighbor is not necessarily someone living close to you or next door. For Jesus, if you can have mercy on people, you have made someone a neighbor.

The story of the Good Samaritan, from which this verse is taken, describes how a man, likely a Jew, traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho, was attacked and left half-dead. The assumption that the man was a Jew is based on the fact that the road was predominantly used by Jewish priests, Levites, and traders. Despite this, the people from whom one would expect help—his fellow Jews—ignored him. The Bible reveals that both a priest and a Levite saw the wounded man but chose to pass by without offering assistance.

Luke 10:31-32 says, “A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.”

On the other hand, a stranger—a Samaritan—was the one who showed mercy. The phrase “but a Samaritan” in the passage highlights the unexpected nature of his kindness. As a Christian, mercy must be your guiding principle as you journey through this uncertain world. Never be so self-centered or preoccupied with your own goals that you neglect those who may need your presence to rekindle their hope.

Going forward, understand that being a neighbor is not just about geographical proximity but about the mercy you extend to others.

Read: Luke 6:36 – “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”

Prayer: Lord, I pray for the grace to have mercy on people. Amen.

Hearing God’s word without applying it to your life prevents it from bringing any real benefit. The Word of God is always meant to be profitable. 2 Timothy 3:16 affirms this by saying, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

However, the extent to which God’s word benefits you depends on how you receive and respond to it. When you hear the Word—your ultimate source of faith and blessings—you must act on it to see its promises manifest in your life.

The Bible speaks of a generation that received God’s word but did not benefit from it. Hebrews 4:2 states, “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” This refers to the Israelites who, despite being led by Moses out of Egypt, failed to enter the Promised Land. Instead of believing God’s promises, they gave in to murmuring, complaints, and comparison, leading to their downfall. Only Joshua and Caleb, who had faith, were able to enter the land of promise. Numbers 14:29-30 records God’s judgment:

“Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me, doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.”

Likewise, the Word of God you hear today will only be effective when you mix it with faith. Until you believe and act on it, you will not experience its blessings. God’s Word has the power to fulfill what it declares, but you must believe in it and apply its principles to see results.

Never take God’s Word lightly. Meditate on it daily, confess it over your life, and put it into practice. That is how you unlock the power within the Word to produce transformation and extraordinary results.

Read: Hebrews 4:1-3
[1] Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. [2] For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. [3] For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for grace to study and mix your word with faith to unleash the power of God for my benefit.

Teaching, or what we call doctrine, forms an essential part of the beliefs and practices people subscribe to. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider the kind of teachings or doctrines we allow to shape our lives. These doctrines may come from preachers, or men and women of God, or even individuals who claim to have spiritual insight.

As a Christian, you have a responsibility to follow and submit only to sound doctrine. Although this may not always be easy, it is a price worth paying.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus warned people to beware of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees, likening it to “leaven” that corrupts (Matthew 16:12).

We are in a time when false doctrines are widely celebrated and accepted. This has led many to look down on sound doctrine because of its simplicity, strict standard for holiness, discipline, and modesty. The Apostle Paul also warned about this, saying, “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (1 Timothy 4:1).

As a Christian, you must train yourself in God’s word through constant study, research, and meditation. Do not be gullible—don’t accept everything you hear as truth without examining it. Follow the example of the Bereans, who diligently cross-checked everything they were taught against the Scriptures (Acts 17:11).

Sound doctrine is what builds your faith in God, shapes your character to reflect your identity as a child of God, and positions you to walk in the supernatural.

Don’t just follow anything people say in the name of God. Ensure that it aligns with the truth of His word. If you ever find yourself in doubt after careful study, prayer, and meditation, seek guidance from other mature Christians to clarify your understanding.

Read: Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for divine guidance and wisdom not to yield to wrong doctrines. Amen.

Life is full of challenges, and at some point, we all face storms—difficulties that shake our faith and test our trust in God. The disciples found themselves in such a moment when a storm arose while they were with Jesus. Instead of exercising faith, they panicked and feared for their lives. Jesus, however, rebuked the storm and then turned to them with a question: “Where is your faith?” This shows us that God expects us to respond to challenges with faith, not fear.

As a believer, you already have the seed of faith within you. It took faith to believe and receive salvation (Ephesians 2:8), and that same faith is meant to be active in every area of your life. This is why God expects you to exercise it when challenges arise.

When storms come your way, it is not the time to cry, murmur, or seek sympathy—none of these will change your situation. Instead, activate your faith. Jesus did not join the disciples in their panic; He exercised His faith, spoke to the storm, and brought about a great calm. The lesson here is clear: faith, not fear, produces results.

The Bible says that “the victory that overcomes the world is our faith” (1 John 5:4). You cannot afford to sit back and watch things fall apart in your life. Speak God’s word over every storm that threatens you.

God does not want you to live in sickness, financial struggles, sin, or constant hardship. Use the faith He has given you to break free and overcome. Stand firm, believe His word, and refuse to let circumstances dictate your life.

Read: 1 John 5:4 “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

Prayer: Lord, I pray for grace to always stand strong in faith.

The book of Daniel reveals how God’s gift of knowledge and skill to Daniel and his three friends set them apart in the land of Babylon. Because of their gifts, they were elevated to places of honor and influence. Proverbs 18:16 says, “A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.”

Your gift and abilities matter in life. Life has no place for those who have nothing to offer. That is why God has endowed each of us with unique talents, graces, and virtues so that we can shine wherever we find ourselves.

From our key scripture, we see that knowledge, skill, and wisdom play a crucial role in occupying high positions in life. You cannot serve effectively and efficiently in a noble office or a high place without these qualities. Lacking them will make you ineffective even if you are given the opportunity. Beyond that, knowledge, skill, and wisdom are essential for success in every area of life.

Having knowledge means acquiring specific information about a subject or developing expertise through learning and experience. Having skill means the ability to apply knowledge effectively and accomplish tasks with excellence. Wisdom, on the other hand, is the ability to exercise sound judgment and make the right decisions in different situations.

Proverbs 4:7 declares, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding.” This means you must be intentional about gaining knowledge and wisdom. Pray for these special graces, but also take practical steps to develop yourself. Be a diligent student—learn, read good books, and associate with people who embody wisdom and virtue. Above all, put into practice what you learn.

These are not times to be idle or distracted by trivial pursuits. Find something meaningful and profitable to do with your life. Spending hours on social media without purpose will not make you shine. Being inconsistent and disorganized will not either. Set goals for each month, be intentional in your actions, dress with dignity, speak with wisdom, develop emotional maturity, and cultivate discipline in your choices. Know when to say yes and when to say no. Set boundaries in your interactions, avoid ungodly influences, and be trustworthy in handling matters of confidentiality. These are the actions that lead to success.

Remember, you cannot shine if you do nothing. You cannot shine if you are not tested, challenged, or striving for excellence. Take responsibility for your life. Step up, do your best, and allow God’s grace to work through you.

Read: Ecclesiastes 8:1 – “Who is as the wise man? And who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.”

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the grace upon my life. By this grace, I shine everywhere I go. Amen.