20/05/2026
*RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL*
Wednesday, 20th May 2026
*CUT OFF SATANIC INFLUENCES*
Pastor Chris
*And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus (Acts 13:6).*
*Acts 13* gives us a clear picture of how Satan tries to resist the Gospel, especially when it’s about to reach those in positions of leadership. An example is seen in *Acts 13:6* when Saul (Paul) and Barnabas went through the Isle of Paphos, preaching the Gospel. The proconsul, Sergius Paulus, whom the Bible describes as *“a prudent man,”* desired to hear the Word of God and sent for Barnabas and Saul *(Acts 13:7).* He wanted to know more about Jesus Christ.
But there was someone closely associated with him who wouldn’t let that happen; *Acts 13:6-8* the Amplified Classic version reveals it: *“When they had passed through the entire island of Cyprus as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain Jewish wizard or sorcerer, a false prophet named Bar-Jesus. He was closely associated with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, who was an intelligent and sensible man of sound understanding; he summoned to him Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the Word of God [concerning salvation in the kingdom of God attained through Christ]. But Elymas the wise man--for that is the translation of his name [which he had given himself]--opposed them, seeking to keep the proconsul from accepting the faith.”* He resisted and tried to stop the leader from receiving the Word.
Then the Bible says, *“…Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, and said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord” (Acts 13:9-10)?* Paul wasn’t speaking by suspicion or emotion; he spoke by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. He called him who he truly was: a child of the devil, an enemy of all righteousness.
Many world leaders have such people around them who distract them from the truth and keep them from hearing the Word of God. This is why we take our stand in prayer to cut off such influences from the leaders of nations. Every so often, in praying for the leaders of nations, governments and institutions of this world, declare that the counsels of the *“Elymases”* of this world are frustrated and silenced; cut off their influence from the leaders. Pray that all around the world, the hearts of presidents, kings, governors, lawmakers, and decision-makers are open to hear and receive the Word of God and the Gospel is producing results in their lives.
Pray also that the Spirit grants them discernment to recognise deception, and that righteous influences surround them, creating access for the Gospel to be preached, received freely, and spread rapidly all around the world. Hallelujah!
*PRAY / CONFESSION*
*The Word of God prevails in the hearts of leaders and decision makers across the nations today. Every satanic influence to resist the Gospel and turn them away from the truth is cut off by the power of the Holy Spirit. God’s wisdom and righteousness dominate the nations, and His truth is established without resistance, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*
*FURTHER STUDY*
*1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV*
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
*Acts 13:6-12 NIV*
6 They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, 7 who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God.
8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.
9 Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, 10 “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? 11 Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.” Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
12 When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.
*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*
*1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN* John 9:1-41 & 2 Kings 4-5
*2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*
1 Corinthians 11:1-11 & Proverbs 16
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*Rhapsody Of Realities TeeVo*
Wednesday, 20th May 2026
*TAKE YOUR PLACE IN THE CHURCH*
*(You’re God’s Agent For Global Impact)*
Rev. Dr. Chris Oyakhilome, DSc DSc DD.
📖 *TO THE BIBLE: Isaiah 9:7 NKJV*
*“Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end….”*
*LET’S TALK* ⏩
The human body is a marvel of divine engineering. Every organ, no matter how hidden, contributes to the health, strength, and effectiveness of the whole. The eye doesn’t strive to be the heart, and the hand doesn’t compete with the feet; each functions purposefully, supplying life and direction to the body. Remove one part, and the entire system is affected. This beautifully illustrates God’s design for His Church.
The Church of Jesus Christ isn’t a mere organization or an association of worshippers; it’s God’s agency for executing His will and agenda across the nations. The Bible calls the Church *“the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).* Everything God wants to accomplish in a nation, He initiates through the Church—His living, breathing body in the earth.
You’re not a spectator in this body; you’re an integral member of it. The Scriptures say, *“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually” (1 Corinthians 12:27 NKJV).* That means you’re part of something global and divine—full of glory, authority, and dominion. When the Lord Jesus declared, *“…I will build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18 KJV),* He emphasized the Church’s supremacy over Satan and the forces of darkness.
God has placed all things under the feet of the Church, with Christ as the Head *(Ephesians 1:22–23).* This is why no one in the Church should live as a victim or see themselves as weak. We’re the expression of His fullness—His grace, power, Kingdom, and personality. Glory to God! Through the Church, God enforces righteousness in the earth and reveals His manifold wisdom to principalities and powers in heavenly places *(Ephesians 3:10).* What a glorious responsibility!
Take your place in the Church. Contribute to its growth, strength, and expansion. As each part does its work, the whole body grows in love and power *(Ephesians 4:16).* Be active in soulwinning. Think impact. Be effectual for Christ in your world—because God is changing the world through you.
📖 *GO DEEPER*
*Matthew 16:18-19*
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
*Ephesians 1:17-22*
17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
🔊 *PRAY*
*Dear Father, thank you for placing me in the Body of Christ to be a vital part of your strategy for global transformation. I take my place, functioning effectively and contributing to the expansion of your work on earth, enforcing your righteousness in the earth and impacting the world with your glory and presence, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*
📚 *DAILY BIBLE READING*
*ONE YEAR*
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John 8:48-59, 2 Kings 1-3
*TWO YEAR*
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Mark 11:12-26, Numbers 22
🎯 *ACT*
*Identify one way you can actively contribute—join a church department, share the Gospel with at least one person, or support a soul-winning initiative through prayer or giving.*
✍️ *My Notes*
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*RHAPSODY OF REALITIES*
*FOR EARLY READERS*
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WEDNESDAY, 20TH MAY 2026
*WRITE GOD'S WORD IN YOUR HEART*
👤PASTOR CHRIS
📖 *My heart is overflowing with a good theme... My tongue is the pen of a ready writer. (Psalm 45:1)*
When you’re in school, and your teacher is teaching, you’re encouraged to take notes so you can remember what you learned. In the same way, God wants His Word written—not just in a notebook—but in your heart.
How does that happen? It happens when you meditate on God’s Word and say it out loud. Each time you say God’s Word, it is being written inside you.
That’s why it’s good to keep speaking God’s Word about your life. As you meditate on it, whisper it, and say it boldly, God’s Word stays in your heart and helps you live victoriously.
So make it a daily habit to enjoy God’s Word. When you do, it will guide you and help you every day!
📚 *SCRIPTURE READING*
*Psalm 45:1*
My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
🔊 *SAY THIS*
*God’s Word is in my heart and on my lips constantly. As I meditate on it, it brings me victory, success, and joy. Hallelujah!*
