When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God."
—Acts 8:18-21 NIV
Simon's callous disregard for the sacredness of the Holy Spirit's work is sickening. He treats this incredible blessing of God as a commodity to be purchased and manipulated. His sin is obvious to most of us. Still, how many times have we tried to manipulate the work and influence of the Holy Spirit? Without humility and only for our own gain, we sometimes nonchalantly talk about the Holy Spirit as if the Spirit were our errand gopher, our servant to do our bidding, our tool, instead of remembering that the Holy Spirit is God's presence and power graciously given to us. Let's look at the gift of the Spirit's presence within us and the Spirit's influence upon us with a deep sense of reverent thanks!
O Father, God Almighty, please forgive me for devaluing the Holy Spirit — the gift of your presence within my life. I am sorry for this irreverent approach to your awesome grace. In Jesus' name, I ask for this forgiveness and pray that I will always have the proper respect and appreciation for the Spirit. 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 8:18-21 NIV
Key Thought
Simon's callous disregard for the sacredness of the Holy Spirit's work is sickening. He treats this incredible blessing of God as a commodity to be purchased and manipulated. His sin is obvious to most of us. Still, how many times have we tried to manipulate the work and influence of the Holy Spirit? Without humility and only for our own gain, we sometimes nonchalantly talk about the Holy Spirit as if the Spirit were our errand gopher, our servant to do our bidding, our tool, instead of remembering that the Holy Spirit is God's presence and power graciously given to us. Let's look at the gift of the Spirit's presence within us and the Spirit's influence upon us with a deep sense of reverent thanks!
Today's Prayer
O Father, God Almighty, please forgive me for devaluing the Holy Spirit — the gift of your presence within my life. I am sorry for this irreverent approach to your awesome grace. In Jesus' name, I ask for this forgiveness and pray that I will always have the proper respect and appreciation for the Spirit. 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.
Continue reading...
