Rhapsody of Realities Saturday 5 July 2025 Devotional Message By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Christ Embassy)
TOPIC: UNDERSTANDING THE FATHER’S HEART
For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them…
(Luke 9:56).
In praying to effect changes, especially in your town, city or nation, a clear understanding of the Word and
insight into the mind of God is important. For example, consider a scenario where a group of Christians in a city
or nation are praying in agreement that they don’t want a particular government official. Meanwhile, there’re other Christians who work with that same leader who may be praying every day for the leader to succeed and remain in office.
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While those declaring a change may be justified, God also considers the prayers of His children who are standing in faith for that leader. It reveals something about the nature of God—His fatherly nature. You may expect Him to act in a certain way and He doesn’t. It’s because He thinks differently. His actions are governed by His love, mercy, and purpose.
Consider the case of James and John in Luke 9:54-56. They were offended by those who did not plan adequately to receive the Lord Jesus and asked, “…Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?” (Luke 9:54).
But Jesus rebuked them, saying, “…Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them…” (Luke 9:55-56).
The Master demonstrated the Father’s heart of love and mercy throughout His ministry. He understood His purpose and remained committed to fulfilling it according to the will of the Father. God’s nature is consistent. He is merciful and loving. He operates as wisdom, always seeking to save and to bring His children into alignment with His divine purpose.
Understanding this helps us appreciate why God may not always act the way we expect Him to, even when we think our desires are justified. As you give yourself to the Word and the guidance of His Spirit, you will increasingly know and walk in His perfect will and plan in every situation and be able to pray effectively with direction and precision.
Dear Father, thank you for your love, mercy and wisdom. I recognize your fatherly heart, and I yield myself to your will and purpose, and declare that your love and grace prevail in my life and in the lives of those around me as I walk in alignment with your Word and fulfil your purpose, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY: John 3:16-17; 2 Peter 3:9; Ezekiel 18:23
John 3:16-17
New American Standard Bible
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him.
2 Peter 3:9
New American Standard Bible
9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.
Ezekiel 18:23
New American Standard Bible
23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked,” declares the Lord God, “[a]rather than that he would turn from his ways and live?
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 17:16-34 & Job 6-8
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 6:39-49 & Deuteronomy 33
Rhapsody of Realities 5th July 2025 Devotional Message written by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, remains a life-guide with rich and impactful teachings from God’s Word. Millions of copies of Rhapsody of Realities, the best-selling daily devotional and Bible study guide have been distributed in 242 countries in 2010 languages of the world… and we’re still counting.
