13/02/2026
*RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL*
PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME Dsc. Dsc. DD.
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 13 2026
*LIVE ABOVE SATAN’S INFLUENCE*
*Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve**
*(Luke 22:3)*.
Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve disciples of the Lord Jesus. He walked with the Master, heard His teachings, and witnessed His miracles. Yet, Judas had a weakness; he loved to take what didn’t belong to him, and that opened the door for Satan to take control of his heart.
The Bible tells us Judas was the treasurer for Jesus’ ministry and often stole money from the bag (*John 12:6)*. What he didn’t realise was that Satan exploits a person’s weaknesses, the very sins they love, to control and destroy them. Judas thought he was being clever, but he was actually being led toward his own downfall.
The Scriptures reveal that Judas went to the leaders of the Jews and offered to betray the Master. When he led the soldiers to Jesus and betrayed Him with a kiss, Jesus looked at him and said, *“...Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:48 NKJV)*. Even then, Judas felt no remorse.
It wasn’t until he saw Jesus condemned to death that the horror of what he had done truly struck him. Filled with despair, Judas went out and hanged himself. He was lost forever. That’s how Satan works. He blinds his victims with deception and desire until they no longer understand themselves. He drives them to commit acts they can’t explain and choices they can’t undo.
Judas never intended to become a murderer, but sin is a path with no safe distance. Think about how many people today, like Judas, are led astray by greed, anger, or lust! Many murderers, robbers and violent men have families, parents, or children they love. Yet they commit the unthinkable and later ask themselves, “Why did I do that?”
People can be driven by unseen influences when they yield to wrong desires. That’s why it’s important to guard your heart. Never allow greed, bitterness, lust, or anger to find a place in you. Fill your heart with the Word and yield yourself to the Holy Spirit. That’s how to keep Satan out and live above his influence, walking in righteousness and truth.
*PRAYER / CONFESSION*
*Dear Father, I thank you for the light of your Word and the ministry of your Spirit that keeps me walking in righteousness and truth. My heart is filled with your love, and my thoughts are aligned with your will. I refuse every influence of Satan and walk in the wisdom, purity and power of the Spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*
*FURTHER STUDY*
*John 13:2;*
[2] And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;
*James 1:14-15;*
[14] but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. [15] Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
*Ephesians 4:27-31*
[27] neither give place to the devil. [28] Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. [29] Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. [30] And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. [31] Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
*1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*
Matthew 28; Leviticus 4-5
*2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*
Acts 17:22-34; Psalm 17-18
*Good Morning Beloved*
