Rhapsody of Realities for 20 May 2026 — Cut Off Satanic Influences

TODAY'S RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DEVOTIONAL BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME.

TOPIC: Cut Off Satanic Influences

SCRIPTURE: "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.

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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!

PRAISEJAMZBLOG INSIGHT

Today’s devotional reminds us that spiritual battles are often fought through influence, counsel, and the voices surrounding leaders. Just as Elymas tried to hinder Sergius Paulus from receiving the Gospel, there are still negative influences today that attempt to oppose truth and righteousness. As believers, we must pray with discernment and authority, asking God to remove every satanic influence that blinds hearts from receiving His Word. When righteous counsel prevails, doors open for the Gospel to spread, lives are transformed, and God’s purpose is established in nations and communities.

PRAYER/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: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Acts 13:6–12: Paul and Barnabas encountered a sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus who tried to turn the governor away from the faith. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul rebuked him, and the man was struck blind for a time. Seeing what happened and hearing the teaching about the Lord, the governor believed.

Rhapsody of Realities devotional is written by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, President of LoveWorld Inc. (Christ Embassy).