RHEMA From Heaven

Daniel 1:4 “young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians”

How quickly you understand matters greatly determines how effectively and excellently you function in life. Speed of understanding influences speed of action, quality of results, and accuracy in decision making. To be quick to understand means to discern promptly, to grasp issues clearly, and to perceive meaning without prolonged confusion.

You see, when a person is quick in understanding, such a person stands out. It separates you from the crowd and positions you for higher responsibilities. Understanding is what brings distinction. In our opening text, after King Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem, he did not summon just anyone into his palace. He specifically requested young men who were quick to understand. Their sharpness of mind qualified them for royal service and placed them in the presence of greatness.

On the contrary, slowness in understanding affects performance and timing. When understanding is delayed, actions are delayed. Expectations are missed, opportunities pass by, and urgency is lost. The pace at which you move in life is largely determined by how clearly and quickly you understand issues.

A person who is slow to understand struggles to help himself and is equally unable to be of help to others. Growth, impact, and usefulness are all tied to understanding. This is why maturity in thinking is vital for progress and effectiveness for every Christian.

Make it your priority to sharpen your understanding. Seek clarity, pursue knowledge, and grow in discernment.

Read: 1 Corinthians 14:20 “Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.”

Prayer: Lord, sharpen my understanding and grant me clarity of mind, that I may discern quickly, think maturely, and walk wisely in all You have called me to do.

2 Chronicles 32:25 “But Hezekiah did not respond appropriately to the kindness shown him, and he became proud. So the LORD’s anger came against him and against Judah and Jerusalem.”

There is no doubt that God continually favours us as believers. His goodness toward us flows from His grace and benevolence, not from our own merit. Yet, the kindness of God must never be taken lightly or treated casually. It ought to be recognised, appreciated, and returned through thanksgiving, humility, and a life committed to His purposes.

Our opening scripture shows that at times people fail to respond rightly to God’s kindness. Instead of gratitude and obedience, pride takes over and the Lord is forgotten.

As Christians, God expects us to respond appropriately to every kindness we receive, whether it comes from Him directly or through others. We must not merely enjoy blessings and privileges and stop there. True appreciation honours the giver and is expressed through action.

The psalmist understood this when he asked in Psalm 116:12–13 (KJV):
“What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.”

Scripture also gives us a clear example in the life of David. David intentionally showed kindness to the household of Saul because of the kindness Jonathan had shown him. See (2 Samuel 9). 

Do not be a “free rider” on the kindness you receive from others. Respond to every act of kindness with goodness, mercy, thanksgiving, and help when the opportunity arises.

Read: Proverbs 3:27 (AMP) “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due [its rightful recipients], when it is in your power to do it.”

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to respond rightly to every kindness I receive from You and from people. Help me to live a life of gratitude, humility, and obedience. Amen.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

The Bible teaches that there are appointed seasons and specific times for everything in life. Jesus understood this truth and therefore said in John 9:4, “I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” Jesus knew that the season He was in required Him to labor by teaching and preaching.

The season you find yourself in must determine your actions. There is a season to sow, and there is also a season to reap.

Discern the season you are in as an individual and respond appropriately. When you fail to act in a particular season, you stand the risk of missing out greatly.

Sow and invest when the season comes. Sow holistically, both in spiritual matters and in natural pursuits.

Likewise, when the season of harvest arrives, apply yourself to receiving what has been prepared for you. This wisdom enables you to live a balanced and fruitful life.

In all these things, allow the wisdom of God’s Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to direct you. They will help you function effectively in every season. Never miss the good things assigned to your season, for the cost can be great.

Be a strategic seasonal worker.

Read: Galatians 6:9 (AMP) “Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in.”

Prayer: Lord, help me to discern my season and give me grace to work wisely and faithfully in it.

1 Thessalonians 5:1–2 “But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.”

The return of the Lord is a definite and glorious event that will surely take place, even though its timing remains unknown to us as believers. Therefore, our responsibility is not only to look forward to His coming but also to live in constant readiness by walking in God’s perfect will in every area of our lives.

Scripture teaches that everyone who holds firmly to the hope of Christ’s return purifies themselves and refuses to be corrupted by the world (1 John 3:2–3). These last days are marked by perilous times, filled with trials, pressures, and tribulations. Yet, God’s grace remains more than sufficient for every believer to advance, endure, and fulfil divine purpose until the end.

Do not allow yourself to be distracted, discouraged, or compromised in your walk with the Lord. Stand firm in faith and remain steadfast, for the Word reminds us that only those who endure to the end will be saved. Be aware of the times you are living in. Do the will of God faithfully and serve Him sincerely while it is still day.

Live with vigilance, sobriety, and watchfulness. Refuse to yield to the schemes of the enemy. As a believer, remain ready, sincere, and consistent in your relationship with God, regardless of the challenges that arise.

As part of this readiness, continually ask the Lord to enlighten the eyes of your understanding and grant you the spirit of wisdom and revelation. The Bible declares, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray” (1 Peter 4:7).

Read:1 Thessalonians 5:6 “Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.”

Prayer: Father, I ask for the grace to remain alert, faithful, and prepared for Your coming in these last days. Amen.

Philippians 2:2 “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”

Love is the true identity of a Christian. Nothing reflects the nature of God in us more than our ability to love. We were redeemed by love, and we are sustained each day by that same unfailing love. John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…”
Lamentations 3:23 adds, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.”

Walking in love is not optional for the believer. The God kind of love is the standard for every child of God. This is why James describes love as the “royal law.” James 2:8 states, “If ye fulfil the royal law… Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well.”

God’s expectation is that all His children will show the same love toward one another. Jesus reinforced this when He instructed His disciples in John 15:12, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.”

And how did Jesus love us? Romans 5:8 answers it plainly: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this, While we were still sinners Christ died for us.”
This means the love we show must be unconditional, intentional, and sacrificial. To have the same love is to express the love of Christ in your everyday life. It is choosing to forgive freely, to give generously, and to show compassion to the lost and the hurting.

For the believer, love is not just an action. It is our lifestyle.

Read Ephesians 5:2: “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us…”

Prayer: Father, help me to extend to others the same love You have poured out on me. Amen.

Isaiah 37:3 “They said to him, This is what Hezekiah says: This day is a day of distress, rebuke, and humiliation. For children have come to birth, and there is no strength to bring them forth.”

The child of God is called to a life of glory. Yet the devil, evil people, and unexpected challenges in life may attempt to hinder what God is accomplishing in you and through you. Your comfort and victory, however, are already guaranteed. The Bible says, “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

Do not allow difficult seasons to make you waver in your faith. Stand firm without fear or compromise. Never make decisions in a moment of pressure that lead you outside the will of God for your life.

God expects His children to stand strong in the day of trouble and not to fall or give up. This is why we are instructed in 1 Peter 5:8 to remain alert: “Be sober, be vigilant because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

Scripture teaches us to hold our ground and remain steadfast. Proverbs 24:10 reminds us, “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.”

No matter the challenge that confronts you, whether in your finances, marriage, relationship, work, ministry, or health, remain confident that God is able to carry you through.

In the day of trouble pray. Search the word of God. Make His promises your confession. Refuse to despair. Encourage yourself daily.

Be strong and be lifted. Trouble may endure for a night, but your joy, breakthrough, and miracle will surely come in the morning, and they will remain.

Read 2 Corinthians 4:8 -10:“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed. We are perplexed, but not in despair. We are persecuted, but not abandoned. We are struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”

Prayer: Lord, I declare that my strength will not fail in the day of adversity. I walk in constant victory in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Acts 17:11 “Now these people were more noble and open minded than those in Thessalonica, for they welcomed the message with eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”

There is nothing in this world that is more precious, life giving, and refreshing than the Word of God. This is why the time you spend with God’s Word is never wasted. It shapes your thinking, strengthens your spirit, and aligns your life with God’s will.

The Bible describes the believers in Berea as people who placed great value on God’s Word. They searched the Scriptures every day. To them, God’s Word was daily bread. Their consistency showed how much they treasured divine truth.

You see, the frequency with which you open the Scriptures reveals the value you place on God’s Word. The Bereans understood this truth. They received the Word with ready and humble hearts, and they diligently examined the Scriptures for themselves. This is the kind of attitude that produces fruitfulness in your walk with God. Do not only listen to sermons. Make it your lifestyle to search God’s Word personally every day.

As a believer, you must be word conscious. God’s Word should be woven into your daily life. The psalmist declares the importance of continual meditation. Psalm 1:2 says “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.”

Daily engagement with God’s Word is the surest way to plant truth deeply in your heart. It will help you build a strong and meaningful walk with God. It also makes you firm and steady, guarding you against deception.

Know that, you cannot fully understand what God expects of you if you do not make time for His Word. Although, many distractions will try to compete for your attention, you must protect your time with the Scriptures. God’s Word brings light, imparts wisdom, and empowers you to live the God kind of life you have been called to live.

Read: Psalm 119:105 (AMP) “I have said that Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Prayer Lord, help me to love Your Word, search it daily, and walk in the light and wisdom it gives me. Amen.

Colossians 4:12-13″ Epaphras, who is also from Colossae, sends his loving greetings. I can tell you that he is a true servant of Christ, who always labors and intercedes for you. His prayers are filled with requests to God that you would grow and mature, standing complete and perfect in the beauty of God’s plan for your lives. Epaphras has such great zeal and passion for you and for those who are from Laodicea and from Hierapolis.”

The Christian life is not a “selfish journey”. Inasmuch you are to take care of yourself and to see to it that you are following God’s plan for your life, you must also desire same for everyone within your reach. Thus, we must be each other’s keeper.

Our opening text, talks of Epaphras, a servant of Christ, or simply put a believer in Colossae, who made it his priority to pray for the people to grow and to be in God’s will for their lives. Aside Epaphras, throughout the bible we see believers praying for the church, communities, and people around them. Some of the prayers was for people to be saved, delivered, established in the faith, and to be strengthened for life’s  challenges.

You see, make it your interest and priority to seek the good of people around you. Intercede fervently for them without hesitation.

1 Peter 4:10 says “Every believer has received grace gifts, so use them to serve one another as faithful stewards…”. Thus, when you see the needs of people, respond appropriately. Be moved with compassion to be a blessing, and especially, by praying for them.

Never for one moment use your “spirituality” to condemn people, write off people, or undermine people. Even when people miss it or get into error. Let love lead in all you do towards them. We are always better together. Yes, sometimes many words of encouragement may help people, but much prayers for them will get the job done.

Keep praying for people: friends, family, the church and your community. It shall end in praise.

Read: John 17:20,22 “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:”

Prayer: Lord, I pray for grace to always pray for people to do well.

Ephesians‬ ‭4:26-27 “Be angry [at sin—at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior], yet do not sin; do not let your anger [cause you shame, nor allow it to] last until the sun goes down. And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness].”

Living the God kind of life in Christ sets you above any demonic or satanic onslaught. Notwithstanding that, it is possible to give the devil access to your affairs or life.  Our opening text gives insight into this truth and admonishes us not to give the devil an opportunity. One version of the bible puts it this way “and do not leave room for the Devil”

You see, as Christians our emotion or passion can be directed against anything that is not the will of God or in line with God’s word. Nonethless, we must not come to the place where we hold grudge against people, or nurture anger or harbor resentment against people. This gives the opportunity to the devil to get us off our course and to do awkward things.

You see, whatever the devil can do against you depends on the place you give to him. Meaning that, the devil is not as powerful as he has been presented. All he wants is a space from you to operate.

Deny the devil any entry into your life by growing in the knowledge of God and doing what the word says. Learn to resist any happenings that inspires fear, hatred or any form of resentment against people and also yield yourself fully to God.

Read: James 4:7 “So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the grace and wisdom to resist any activities of the devil concerning my life. Amen

Matthew 16:24 says “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]”.

One of the greatest enemies you can have as a Christian is ‘self-interest’. It can make you opposes anything that Christ wants for you in life. Self -interest will hinder you from obedience, submission, and yielding totally to the Holy Spirit as a Christian. 

You see, our walk with the Lord demands that we prioritize the Lord of God and put Him first in all our endevaours. Matthew 22:37-38 says “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.”

Thus, to follow the Lord, which includes learning His character, principles and obeying His instructions calls for ‘self-denial’. Your personal interest must be a thing of the past so that you can be in sync with what God wills and desires for your life.   

In the natural, denying yourself may be seen as costly or come with some inconvenience, but with time, your spirit and mind will align to God’s full counsel, and it will make you overflow with joy as you faithfully follow the Lord in all things that pertains to your life. 

Read: Luke 9:23 “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me”.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for the strength to deny myself to follow your course for my life. Amen