CUT OFF SATANIC INFLUENCES
📖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!
🗣️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.
If you’re blessed by this devotional, believing every word you heard by faith in your heart, and would love to make Jesus the lord of your life, then speak the confessions below out loud, and mean them with your heart:
“O Lord God, I believe with all my heart in Jesus Christ, Son of the living God. I believe He died for me and God raised Him from the dead. I believe He’s alive today. I confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life from this day. Through Him and in His Name, I have eternal life; I’m born again. Thank you Lord, for saving my soul! I’m now a child of God. Hallelujah!”
If you just prayed the prayer of salvation, we have a gift for you. First, kindly click this link so we can connect with you and help you grow in Christ.
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Message by Rev. Chris Oyakhilome Dsc. Dsc. DD.
FURTHER STUDY📖=>
|| 1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV 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 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
