RHEMA From Heaven

Your definition of life determines your approach to life. Also, your understanding and perception of life determine your preparation for it. More often than not, Christians have not fully considered what life entails or what it is about.

You see, even though we have been brought into a life of glory by Christ, you must stand and fight to take hold of this. As Proverbs 24:6 states, “For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” In other words, life is surely a battle that you must fight to win. Until you see life from this perspective, you might end up blaming God for the circumstances around your life.

As a Christian, you must see life as a war and engage the right counsel to win. In 2 Corinthians 10:3, it says, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh.” The sooner you see life from this perspective, the sooner you will begin to appreciate the counsel you receive from God’s Word and His anointed servants.

You see, wars are not won without intelligence. There is more to winning wars than simply showing up on the battlefield. You need the right ammunition, intelligence, hideouts, strategy, spies, just to name a few. Having these elements makes your ability to win much easier.

There can be a war on your health, finances, character, morality, etc. These are not mere battles. You need counsel from God’s Word, men of God, or even parents to win life’s battles. Be determined to seek counsel day after day. Never downplay the importance of receiving wise counsel because of pride or arrogance. Stay humble and with an inquiring heart, seek counsel and you will win the battles of life.

Read: 1 Timothy 6:12 — “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

Prayer: Lord, I pray that every form of ego or pride hiding anywhere within me, that prevents me from taking wise counsel, will be destroyed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Strength is one important attribute that qualifies you for success in the face of trials. People who lack strength, whether mental or physical, may lack the capacity to stand in difficult situations.

You see, since life’s journey is not a smooth sail, everyone needs “strength” to succeed. Strength here refers to the ability to exert force or withstand stress. It also means one’s resilience, endurance, or the capacity to handle difficult situations.

As a Christian, you must not let adversity or unpleasant situations make you lose your faith. Build the strength—mental and spiritual—so that you don’t become overwhelmed by life’s adverse happenings. That’s to say, stay strong and move on.

One way to build strength as a Christian is by study. As you study God’s Word, you access wisdom, and wisdom produces strength. In Proverbs 24:5, the Bible says, “A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.” In awkward moments, you need to engage the wisdom of God in you rather than getting emotional, saying things, or acting unwisely.

Another way to build strength is through prayer and fasting. This includes speaking in tongues. You see, you can deprive yourself of the needed strength when you don’t build a personal prayer and fasting life. This is because prayer emboldens your spirit. Jude 1:20 says, “But you, beloved, build yourselves up on [the foundation of] your most holy faith [continually progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], pray in the Holy Spirit.”

As you build your strength as a Christian, you will have the courage, perseverance, and fortitude required to face challenges with integrity and moral conviction.

Don’t stay a weakling or remain a “baby Christian” your whole lifetime. This will cost you dearly. Arm yourself, stay strong, win battles, and overcome challenges.

Read: Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Prayer: Father, I pray that the wisdom of God will always be my anchor in challenging times. Amen!

Leaven is a substance, typically yeast or baking powder, added to dough or batter to ferment and make it rise. Leaven is crucial for making bread light and fluffy. Thus, a small amount of leaven introduced into the dough changes the outcome of the baked bread in the end.

The example of the impact of a little leaven in breadmaking teaches us the power of small things. This means that as a Christian, you must have respect for small things.

The Bible again, in James 3:4, tells how a ship, despite its huge nature, is controlled by a small rudder.

Yes, great things in life are important, but small things also matter. It is a great deception or display of ignorance when you don’t pay attention to little things. For instance, the occurrence of any great thing is embedded in something little. All humans are born small, but they grow up to become adults, and some even become giants. Trees are sown as seeds, and they later turn into forests. A heavy rainstorm may be preceded by a small cloud. Thus, little things are critical in life.

Don’t let the nature of “little things” cause you to overlook them. This is why some little things, especially wrong things, when left unchecked, have the power to destroy big things in life.

Life experience will teach you that sometimes just one act of carelessness, one idle word, one negative comment, or one wrong act, which may seem like little things, can destroy something big.
Meaningful relationships, like marriages, ministry alliances, and business associations that have been built over years, can fall apart in just a second because of “small things.” Solomon puts it this way: “Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards…” (Song of Solomon 2:15).

Be watchful of little things, especially when they are wrong things. Don’t be deceived into thinking that because it is small, it is not a problem. Give it time, and you will see its devastating effect. Is it about not being punctual, too much talking, overspending, anger, being quick-tempered, pride, or disrespect? Deal with it.

Read: Ecclesiastes 10:1 — “Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor.”

Prayer: Lord, I pray for wisdom to detect any little thing that can ruin my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

People who want to occupy noble places in life and stand in the service of great people must be diligent in all they do.
Diligence makes a person dedicated, thorough, and focused on a task, ensuring it is completed accurately and efficiently. Thus, the attitude of diligence brings productivity. In business terms, one might say it brings value for money.

It is also important to note that the attitude of diligence makes you add passion for excellence to your work.

As a Christian, it is not enough to pray for success and favor before great people. You must be diligent in what you do. Pay proper attention to tasks and give the degree of care required for every aspect of the work you are engaged in. This is what will bring you favour. 

Just as the opening text reveals, being diligent in your endeavors is what will open doors of opportunity for you in life. So, “until you become diligent in your business or what you do, you will not stand before kings.”

You see, not only will diligence bring you before great people, but it will also produce results in your life.
Be diligent. Overcome the ills of mediocrity, disorderliness, and mismanagement. The truth is that whether you are in ministry, business, marriage, or any life venture, if you are not diligent, you will never do well. Always be diligent in all your affairs, and the Lord will bring you before great people and cause you to succeed.

Read: Romans 12:11 — “Never lagging behind in diligence; aglow in the Spirit, enthusiastically serving the Lord.”

Prayer: Lord, I pray for grace and wisdom to be diligent in all my dealings.

To be grateful simply means to show appreciation for something done for you or something you have received. In 2 Chronicles 32, the Bible talks about how Sennacherib, king of Assyria, entered Judah, encamped against the fortified cities, and sought to conquer them. But God saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib and from the hand of others, guiding them on every side.

However, this great act of mercy and love from the Lord was taken lightly by Hezekiah. The Bible says, “But the deliverance of the Lord, instead of making Hezekiah grateful, made him arrogant. This made God angry, and His anger spilled over on Judah and Jerusalem.”

Hezekiah was not grateful to the Lord for delivering him and guiding the people. This act of ingratitude displeased the Lord, and Hezekiah lost God’s favor.

This act of ingratitude is demonstrated by many people throughout life. We have individuals who do not value the need to be grateful. In fact, they take what God and others do for them for granted. Their “world” is void of thankfulness or any meaningful appreciation. For instance, some people don’t see the need to thank God for His goodness and mercies. Others fail to appreciate the individuals God used to make them better today. Some couples forget that it took divine intervention for them to marry and thus treat the union with disdain. Some pastors forget that someone helped launch them into ministry. Some children forget about the parents who toiled day and night to raise them—and on and on goes the list. But as a Christian, you must dare to be different. The Bible enjoins us not to be ungrateful but to give thanks in all things.

You see, no matter where you get to in life, don’t forget to be grateful. In fact, you can’t say thank you enough to God, and there are some people in your life to whom you must forever be grateful for their indelible impact. Remember to be grateful on your journey.

Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Prayer: Lord, I pray that I will not enter into the space of forgetfulness which will cause me to be ungrateful.

Christians have many obligations—some to the body of Christ and some to the world. When it comes to the world, the Bible says we are the light of the world. This means that, as a Christian, there is something you must offer to the world. Your life must not be limited to religious activities without any impact on this sin-doomed world.

You see, most people limit their Christian life to going to church, praying, and reading their Bible. Nonetheless, while this is where you start and a good foundation to have, your life as a Christian must go above and beyond that. Your life must reflect the truth of the gospel. You must show forth the values and virtues of the faith. This is what makes you a light for the world.

Just as a light brings illumination, clarity, and beauty to a place, the life of the Christian must be no different. With the rise of many ills in society—disrespect and disregard for authority, bribery and corruption, ethnocentrism, immorality, occultism, idolatry, and the like—God wants believers to stand out and shine with the new life that will ward off all these things.

As a Christian, rise to the call and let your light shine. Show forth the way with your life’s light. Do not sit idly and allow evil to dominate the world. There is a role or duty that God wants you to discharge wherever you find yourself. Your light must shine. Like the prophet declared, “Arise and shine.”Become “God’s agent for change.” Let your life radiate the glory of God at all times.

Read: Isaiah 60:1: “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.”

Prayer: Lord, I pray that the light you have ignited in me will shine round the world to ward off every form of darkness.

Love is a great and priceless virtue. It is esteemed more highly than any gift or sacrifice. God wants you to make love your language and your deed. Just as people work hard to grow their talents, you must also make every effort to grow in love. Walking in love involves manifesting the virtues listed in our opening text.

Love has been misunderstood by many. Some have associated it with good feelings and merrymaking. The truth is that these may be the aftermath of walking in love. The kind of love God expects of us is more about virtues than feelings.

Know that love goes beyond feelings; it is living out the nature of God towards your brothers and sisters. This results in acts of kindness, patience, forgiveness, and giving. Anytime you hear the word “love,” think about others and how you can let your actions and inactions positively impact them.

As a believer, the deposit of love is already within you. The Bible says that the love of God is poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).

The Bible states that love never fails and abides forever. Never be discouraged from walking in love. Always know that when all is said and done, love wins.

Read: John 13:34 “A new commandment I give unto you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

Prayer: Lord, I pray grace to walk in love towards the brethren in all circumstances.

One of God’s characteristics is truth. This makes it impossible for Him to lie. Hebrews 6:18 says, “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.”

Having this truth—that God cannot and will not lie to you—settles every doubt. Even though you may go through troubles, face hardships, frustrations, and daring situations, these should not make you lose faith in the Lord.

Most often, when God promises you something, you must have the heart of faith and wait for the manifestation of His promise. You must not allow the process you will have to go through to rob you of the product in the end. God can make His Word stand against all odds.

Learn to hold on to God’s promise for your life, ministry, relationships, marriage, finances, health, and every area of your life. God says He cannot lie to you, just as He said to David. There is hope for your future. The plans, visions, and hopes God ignited in your heart are not dashed.

Maybe you have a need or want God to intervene in a situation you are facing now. Cheer up, for the Faithful One says He cannot lie to you.

God will do it. Remember Abraham in the strange land, Daniel in the lion’s den, Joseph in prison, and Jesus on the cross. It seemed like all hope was gone, but God showed up, and it ended in praise. I declare that your story will be no different. It will end in praise.

Wait on the Lord; never quit. Your time of heavenly surprise and blessing is now. Your testimony will be great.

Read: Numbers 23:19 “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”

Prayer: Lord, I pray for grace to hold on to your promises for my life having the knowledge that you can not lie.

“Others” must matter to you as a Christian. You must always have the intention, backed by actions, to make other people better in life. This is the very way to help people get to the top in life.

The life of Jesus speaks volumes on this subject. The Bible talks about how He had compassion on people, healed them, fed them, and taught them. Not only that, but He also associated with some and made others His co-workers (Matthew 9:35-36, Mark 6:34, Matthew 10:1).

You see, life must not always be about you. See the need to help others fulfill their purpose in life. In Mark 2:3-12, the Bible tells us of four men who helped their friend receive healing from Jesus. Matthew 8:4-5 also mentions a Roman centurion who helped his servant be made whole. These two events in the Gospels show us how we should live as believers.

Someone becoming better than you does not take anything away from you. How great would it be when people reference you for the success they have achieved in life? In fact, even if you are not mentioned by those you have helped, you have still lived out your God-ordained purpose as a light to the world.

Who are you helping in your life today? Are you helping them succeed, or are you simply watching as they are overtaken by evil and the vices of this world? Muster the courage to help someone in life—whether it’s your spouse, parents, siblings, friends, or colleagues—be an agent of blessing to them.

For instance, you can help someone to be saved, know the Lord better, secure a job, get married, improve their finances, and so on. These investments in the Kingdom of God will one day speak for you. Don’t despise people who genuinely need your help. Don’t look on helplessly when you have the means to make someone better.

Read: Galatians 6:10 “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

Prayer: Lord, I pray for grace to be a channel through which others may get to the top.

The importance of faith can’t be overemphasized. It is the pillar or bedrock on which we thrive as Christians. In fact, the teaching on faith should be one subject that Christians hold in high esteem. The Bible makes it clear that we live by faith (Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38).

Knowing the victories, successes, and triumphs we can attain by faith is important, but we must first and foremost look at how we can build our faith. Understanding how to acquire faith must be our starting point whenever the subject is mentioned.

You see, there are many people today who know about the power of faith but have not mastered the truth on how to get faith or build faith. In fact, some don’t even know how to rightly acquire faith. It is just like being told of a nice place but not knowing how to get there.

When it comes to faith, God’s Word instructs us on how it can be acquired. Romans 10:17 clearly states, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” God’s Word is the only source of faith. Reading and hearing God’s Word builds faith into your spirit. This is the biblical way of acquiring faith. Many people have missed this simple truth; they try to use other means to get faith, and it gets them nowhere.

In fact, some folks even go to the extent of praying for faith. You see, that is out of place. You rather need faith to pray and not vice versa. Mark 11:24 says, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe…”

If you want to have faith, learn to turn your ears to God’s Word. Don’t just listen to anything. Fables and humorous stories do not produce faith. Jesus said, “TAKE heed therefore how you hear” (Luke 8:18). It is time to “school yourself in faith” with the Word of God. Your faith is the victory that overcomes the world. Do something about your faith now before the evil days come.

Remember, you will need faith to stand and win.

Read: Mark 5:27-28 “When the woman heard about Jesus, she came up through the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. For she kept saying, “If only I touch His garments, I will be healed.”

Prayer: Lord, I pray that my ears will always be inclined to your words that build faith.