Peter said, "Ananias, how did Satan get you to lie to the Holy Spirit and secretly keep back part of the price of the field?"
—Acts 5:3 MESSAGE
This verse comes from the story of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11). They sold their land and gave some of the proceeds to the apostles to help their fellow disciples who had financial needs (Acts 4:32-37). Ananias and Sapphira conspired to make it seem that they gave the whole amount but kept back part for themselves — a premeditated lie to make themselves look good. The fact that they were deceptive and did not recognize the Holy Spirit's work in the apostles' ministry adds to the heinousness of their sin. They weren't lying to just human beings (the apostles and the church), but they were also lying to the Holy Spirit that gave authority to the apostles and empowered the church! Some of the devotionals this year focus on different kinds of sins against the Holy Spirit: blasphemy; resisting, testing, quenching, and grieving the Spirit; and lying to the Spirit. The situation with Ananias and Sapphira, however, is a powerful reminder of the authority of the apostles and should call us to a deep respect for God's leaders in general (see Hebrews 13:7, 17).
Father, forgive me of any pretension or hypocrisy. I ask that the Holy Spirit convict me and help me resist any future temptation toward these sins. I ask for help in being a truthful and supportive follower of your leaders, and I ask that the Holy Spirit be at work in their decisions. O Father, I want to have a genuine and generous heart and a supportive and serving lifestyle. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
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—Acts 5:3 MESSAGE
Key Thought
This verse comes from the story of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11). They sold their land and gave some of the proceeds to the apostles to help their fellow disciples who had financial needs (Acts 4:32-37). Ananias and Sapphira conspired to make it seem that they gave the whole amount but kept back part for themselves — a premeditated lie to make themselves look good. The fact that they were deceptive and did not recognize the Holy Spirit's work in the apostles' ministry adds to the heinousness of their sin. They weren't lying to just human beings (the apostles and the church), but they were also lying to the Holy Spirit that gave authority to the apostles and empowered the church! Some of the devotionals this year focus on different kinds of sins against the Holy Spirit: blasphemy; resisting, testing, quenching, and grieving the Spirit; and lying to the Spirit. The situation with Ananias and Sapphira, however, is a powerful reminder of the authority of the apostles and should call us to a deep respect for God's leaders in general (see Hebrews 13:7, 17).
Today's Prayer
Father, forgive me of any pretension or hypocrisy. I ask that the Holy Spirit convict me and help me resist any future temptation toward these sins. I ask for help in being a truthful and supportive follower of your leaders, and I ask that the Holy Spirit be at work in their decisions. O Father, I want to have a genuine and generous heart and a supportive and serving lifestyle. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
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