Rhapsody Of Realities 12 June 2026 Devotional by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. Today’s Topic: Discern The Source
KEY VERSE: Matthew 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan…
Not everything that sounds right is from God. Not every thought, idea, or opinion that comes nicely is inspired by the Spirit. You must learn to discern. In Matthew 16, for example, the Lord Jesus asked His disciples, “…whom say ye that I am?” (Matthew 16:15).
Peter answered, “…Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Then the Lord said to Peter, “…Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 16:17).
But shortly afterwards, when the Lord Jesus began to speak about His death, Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “…Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee” (Matthew 16:22). Notice what happens next: immediately, the Lord “…turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men” (Matthew 16:23).
This was the same Peter: one moment, he was speaking by revelation from God, the next moment, Satan is speaking through him. But the Lord Jesus discerned the source of the words Peter spoke. He didn’t address Peter as a person; He addressed the source and said, “Get thee behind me, Satan.”
That means you must discern the source of every word, inspiration and action. When you speak, it should always be from God. Your thoughts should always be inspired by the Holy Spirit so that your words will synchronize with God’s perfect will.
Peter spoke from personal desire. He wanted an earthly kingdom. He wanted a position. He wanted a system that favoured him. What sounded like concern was actually self-interest. So, don’t judge things by how they sound; you’re to discern them by the Spirit.
Not every good-sounding word or emotional reaction is spiritual. That’s why you must stay filled with the Spirit and let the Word of God dwell in you richly. 1 John 4:1 declares, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God….” 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 tells us not to despise the Word (prophecies) but to test everything and hold fast to that which is good and edifies. In other words, discern the source.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank you for granting me spiritual discernment. I’m not led by appearances or emotions; I’m led by your Spirit. I recognize the source of thoughts and words, and I walk in alignment with your perfect will, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY: Matthew 16:16-23; 1 Corinthians 2:14-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 3:1-26 & 2 Chronicles 12-15
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 2:8-17 & Songs Of Solomon 3-4
