RHEMA From Heaven

Everyone’s journey in life is shaped by the contributions of others. These contributions come in various forms—spiritual guidance, financial assistance, relationship and marriage support, career mentorship, educational aid, and many more. Such blessings should never go unacknowledged; they must be recognized and appreciated.

In our opening text, Jesus asked this question when one leper, out of the ten He had healed, returned to thank Him. In the preceding verses, we learn that ten men with leprosy stood at a distance and cried out to Jesus for mercy. Yet, after receiving their healing, only one of them saw it necessary to return and express gratitude (Luke 17:11-19).

You see, expressing gratitude is a principle of life that aligns with God’s will. Jesus’ question about the missing nine lepers highlights the importance of appreciation. As Christians, we must never overlook the value of thanking those who help us. The Bible emphasizes this in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which says, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God…”

Don’t just enjoy privileges—take time to appreciate the people through whom those blessings came. Your “thank you” is more than just words; it reflects the value you place on others and your contentment with what has been done for you.

When people contribute to your life, don’t hesitate—go and say thank you!

Read: Psalm 116:12-13
“What shall I return to the LORD for all His goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.”

Prayer: Lord, I pray for the grace to be grateful in life. Amen

The Christian life is a spiritual life. Our success, therefore, hinges on how well we devote ourselves to spiritual activities like prayer.

As a Christian, you must be earnest in your prayer life. Being earnest in prayer means being serious, sincere, and determined in your commitment to prayer.

It is not spiritually healthy to make your prayer life dependent on circumstances. In other words, never wait for difficult situations before you pray. Developing a deep and meaningful fellowship with God requires consistency in your communication with Him through prayer.

A consistent prayer life will help you become spiritually receptive and build the capacity to deal with spiritual challenges.

Jesus, during His earthly life, was devoted to prayer. He prayed in private and in public. He engaged in early morning prayers (Mark 1:35) and prayed before undertaking major events, such as calling His disciples and going to the cross (Luke 6:12-13; Luke 22:40-46). He was completely committed to prayer.

As a Christian, never slack in your prayer life. In everything, pray. Pray for God’s guidance, His provision, and His protection. Prayer is a sure way to thrive in your walk with God.

Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray continually.”

Prayer:
Lord, I pray for the grace to be consistent in my prayer life. Amen.

Being young and energetic is a blessing. The Bible further says that the glory or beauty of young people is in the strength they wield (see Proverbs 20:29).

This phase of life must be directed toward things that will build you up in every aspect. Your energy, passion, zeal, and strong desire for accomplishment must not be left unguided by biblical standards and principles.

Being young often comes with a quest for adventure, but when not controlled, this can lead to living without moral conscience or values.

As a Christian, God wants you to maximize your youthfulness in productive and worthwhile activities. The desire for pleasure that comes with youth must not cause you to abandon the values of the Christian faith.

The desires and passions that drive you as a young person must be directed toward things that will enhance your destiny and make you a light in the body of Christ.

Instead of channeling your passion into lustful pursuits—such as immorality, greed, and unprincipled living—let your passion drive you toward godly pursuits. Our opening text teaches us to focus on righteousness, faith, love, and peace. These are virtues that can positively impact your life.

Don’t waste the energy you have as a young person. Let your strong inner desires drive you toward excellence, industriousness, and, above all, godliness.

Read: 1 Corinthians 10:6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

Prayer:
Lord, I pray for the grace to use my youthful stage of life for Your glory and to enhance my life.

Condemnation is a feeling of guilt, a sense of disapproval, and fear that dominates people because of a mistake or sin they have committed. Condemnation simply breaks the courage of those who live under it. Romans 8:1 reminds us, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.”

In Christ, we are new creatures. We are a new breed of people, born of God in true righteousness and holiness. Never let the enemy hold you captive because of your past life. Grow out of that. In Christ, your past has passed away. What counts now is your new life. Don’t give in again to the yoke of bondage. Stand fast in your liberty.

Jesus is our safety from now to eternity. John, in his first epistle, wrote, “…And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” Instead of living under condemnation because of any sin or mistake, confess it to the Lord. He is faithful to forgive and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.
Today, master the courage again for life. You are still God’s best.

You are His righteousness and holiness. Stand fast, child of God. Let go of the past. Hold on to the precious and glorious life in Christ. Know that you are freed, healed, saved, and delivered—never to go back!

Read: 1 John 2:1-3 “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

Prayer: Lord, thank You that I am no longer under condemnation. Help me to walk in the liberty and righteousness You have given me. Amen.

Every Christian has a duty toward the unsaved. You must pray for their salvation. God did not intend to save just a few; He wants all men saved. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

As a Christian, one of your greatest passions must be preaching the gospel to the unsaved and praying that they come to the knowledge of our Lord and Savior. We are to stand in the gap for our siblings, parents, friends, and family members who have not yet responded to the Gospel. We must pray for their release from the domain of darkness. The Bible says that those who are still not saved have been blinded by the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).

Beloved, don’t remain silent or stand aloof, watching people make their way to hell. Pray for someone. Anybody who ever got born again was “birthed” into the Kingdom through prayer, alongside hearing the message of salvation.

Today, fulfill your priestly duty. Pray for a lost brother or sister, and don’t quit until the victory is won. This is the best thing you can do with God’s power resident in you.

Read: Jude 1:22-23 “Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.”

Prayer: Lord, I lift up all unsaved people in my family and community. Open their hearts to receive the gospel and bring them into Your light. Use me as an instrument of salvation for Your glory. Amen.

Words are powerful, and the way we use them reveals much about our character and wisdom. Talking too much, especially without discretion, often leads to misunderstandings, broken trust, and even sin.

Proverbs remind us that excessive talk can be dangerous, particularly when it involves gossip or sharing information that should remain private.
A person who talks too much often fails to listen, which can result in missing important insights or wisdom. Additionally, constant chatter may lead to unintentional offenses, or the sharing of things better left unsaid.

In our relationships, whether at home, work, or church, guarding our words can build trust and respect.
Gossip, in particular, is a destructive habit that stems from excessive talk. Sharing sensitive information or speaking ill of others not only harms relationships but also reflects poorly on one’s integrity. Proverbs 10:19 warn, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.”

Instead of talking excessively, strive to cultivate the habit of thoughtful and purposeful speech. Speak words that build up, encourage, and inspire others. Colossians 4:6 says “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”. Be a person who listens more than they speak, demonstrating humility and wisdom.

Remember, silence can often be more impactful than words and choosing when to speak is a mark of maturity.

Read: Ecclesiastes 5:2 – “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”

Prayer: Lord, help me to guard my tongue and use my words wisely. Amen.

Words are powerful, and the way we use them reveals much about our character and wisdom. Talking too much, especially without discretion, often leads to misunderstandings, broken trust, and even sin.

Proverbs remind us that excessive talk can be dangerous, particularly when it involves gossip or sharing information that should remain private.
A person who talks too much often fails to listen, which can result in missing important insights or wisdom. Additionally, constant chatter may lead to unintentional offenses, or the sharing of things better left unsaid.

In our relationships, whether at home, work, or church, guarding our words can build trust and respect.
Gossip, in particular, is a destructive habit that stems from excessive talk. Sharing sensitive information or speaking ill of others not only harms relationships but also reflects poorly on one’s integrity. Proverbs 10:19 warn, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.”

Instead of talking excessively, strive to cultivate the habit of thoughtful and purposeful speech. Speak words that build up, encourage, and inspire others. Colossians 4:6 says “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”. Be a person who listens more than they speak, demonstrating humility and wisdom.

Remember, silence can often be more impactful than words and choosing when to speak is a mark of maturity.

Read: Ecclesiastes 5:2 – “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”

Prayer: Lord, help me to guard my tongue and use my words wisely. Amen.

Words are powerful, and the way we use them reveals much about our character and wisdom. Talking too much, especially without discretion, often leads to misunderstandings, broken trust, and even sin.

Proverbs remind us that excessive talk can be dangerous, particularly when it involves gossip or sharing information that should remain private.
A person who talks too much often fails to listen, which can result in missing important insights or wisdom. Additionally, constant chatter may lead to unintentional offenses, or the sharing of things better left unsaid.

In our relationships, whether at home, work, or church, guarding our words can build trust and respect.
Gossip, in particular, is a destructive habit that stems from excessive talk. Sharing sensitive information or speaking ill of others not only harms relationships but also reflects poorly on one’s integrity. Proverbs 10:19 warn, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.”

Instead of talking excessively, strive to cultivate the habit of thoughtful and purposeful speech. Speak words that build up, encourage, and inspire others. Colossians 4:6 says “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”. Be a person who listens more than they speak, demonstrating humility and wisdom.

Remember, silence can often be more impactful than words and choosing when to speak is a mark of maturity.

Read: Ecclesiastes 5:2 – “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”

Prayer: Lord, help me to guard my tongue and use my words wisely. Amen.

You are an honorable person when you know how to avoid strife and promote peace and unity. People who are given to a life of quarrel and constant contention lack wisdom and maturity.

A quarrel refers to an angry disagreement or argument between people, often marked by heated words, conflict, or a lack of resolution. It typically involves emotional outbursts and a failure to approach situations constructively.

As a Christian, the Bible reminds us to avoid unnecessary quarrels. It is as simple as that. While disagreements are inevitable, being quick to argue often reflects a lack of self-control and understanding. Anytime you choose to quarrel instead of resolving issues in a wise way, it shows a lack of wisdom.

The Bible says, “every fool is quick to quarrel.” Strife or quarrels, more often than not, do not bring about positive outcomes. Instead, they damage relationships and reputations. For instance, many people have disrupted healthy relationships with their spouses, friends, mentors, and others due to the wrong attitude of quarreling.

It is important to recognize that being peaceable does not mean avoiding confrontation, when necessary, but rather approaching situations with patience and a desire for resolution, not conflict. Proverbs 15:1 tell us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” This highlights the power of measured words in de-escalating tensions.

Taking a step back to reflect before responding to issues can save you from hasty words or actions you might later regret. Wisdom is demonstrated when you prioritize peace over proving a point. Strive to emulate Christ, who taught us to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9).

Read: James 1:19 “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to choose peace over strife. Help me to respond with wisdom, patience, and love in every situation. Amen.

The verse above underscores the principle of cause and effect. It also amplifies another principle: “sowing and reaping.” What you want to have in life is not a matter of mere wishes or accidents. Things never work that way. You gain because you venture.

Doing nothing only produces nothing. Similarly, doing nothing worthwhile produces nothing worthwhile. For you to achieve success or see tangible results in life, it is premised on doing something purposeful and doing it at the appropriate time.

Our opening verse, by implication, teaches us to take action during the planting season, such as plowing. By doing so, we are assured of something to reap during the harvest.
Yes, plowing is work and can be tedious, but that is how we achieve results in life.

Those who avoid work and the difficulties that come with it, seeking only a “soft life,” are setting themselves up for trouble. They may end up engaging in sin or unrighteousness to fend for themselves or resort to blaming others for their predicament.

Beloved, do what you must do now. Try to approach your tasks with diligence and avoid falling into the trap of procrastination or making excuses for what you must accomplish. Take calculated risks and engage in meaningful endeavors at the right time. By doing so, you will have something to reap during the harvest.

Read: Ecclesiastes 11:4 “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.”

Prayer: Lord, help me to take bold steps in faith and to trust You in every venture I undertake. Guide my plans and bless my efforts for Your glory. Amen.