SCRIPTURE: Acts (NIV) 5:2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.
3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?
OBSERVATION: There was no requirement for them to give it all but, desiring the esteem of giving the full amount of the sale, they pretended to give it all. In reality, they kept part for themselves. I doubt that Ananias and his wife sat down to figure out how they could lie to the Holy Spirit. Maybe they did not even think of it as a lie. Surely if they had considered that the Holy Spirit would be listening to their words and evaluating their actions, they would have done it differently. The following verses give the results.
APPLICATION: I need to keep at the front of my thoughts that the Holy Spirit is listening to my words and reading my mind. He takes what I say to others as if I am saying it to Him!!!
I have asked Him to be my Lord and live in my heart. There is nothing I do that He is not a part. He hears every word and even knows my every thought.
His presence gives peace when I am doing what pleases Him; His presence brings conviction when I start to go contrary to what is in line with His will for me. His presence is a most valuable asset for those desiring to please God. Colossians 3:15 tells us to let the peace of God rule in our hearts. Reading His Word every day, praying (talking with Him throughout the day), and in carefully monitoring the peace in my heart I can stay in the center of God’s will.
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, keep me aware of Your Presence today. Nudge me when I am about to go beyond the truth or say something out of place or hurtful. Amen.
Pastor Leon
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