Memorize: Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever i lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Acts 8:19-20
Devotional Reading: Acts 8:19:25
After Peter rebuked Simon for making a bid to buy the power of God, he immediately sensed that there was something still not right with the state of Simons heart
This is why Peter as we saw in our reading of today declared that Simon’s heart was not right in the sight of God because he thought he could buy anointing which is a gift from God. There is great importance in this statement which infers that one’s heart could seem right in the sight of man but not in the sight of God. It is also important to note that if Simon never made a pitch to buy the power of God, Philip may not have known that his heart was not right with God because he had already embraced Simon.
It is not everyone that performs miracle that is under the influence of the Holy Spirit, it may not be obvious to the natural eyes, or those that are not spiritually discerning. Apostle John in 1 John 4:1 admonished us ” Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Simon initially played along which was probably the reason why Philip did not know that Simon’s heart was not right in the sight of God, even though Simon continued with Philip after his baptism. Act 8:13. There are people around us whose hearts are not right in the sight of God and this can be especially dangerous if they have a level of influence over us. Many people today rush to churches where they claim to be doing miracles, have you asked your self the question; “with what power are they doing these miracles?” Many lives, relationships and families have been destroyed due to the influence of fake prophesies and laying of hands with evil powers; We therefore, need to conduct a check on ourselves, then on those around us to ensure we are not submitting our lives and destinies to wrong hands, you should also pray that God will open your eyes and give you a discerning Spirit so that you don’t fall into the hands of wolves so called men or women of God in sheep clothing. The world is currently at all time degenerated state, counterfeits are more than the originals, as a result, worshipers must beware.
We must always check that the motive for our actions are in line with God’s word. As much as Simon had acknowledged that the power of God was superior to what he was doing, the possible motive for wanting to purchase His power was to continue to have inordinate control over the people of Samaria. We need to remain under the search light of God’s word to ensure that the motives for the things we do are aligned with His word and will, and not for selfish motive or vain popularity.
I understand there are many challenges and temptations all around us today but in the midst of all these, we need to keep our focus on Christ and Christ alone. Don’t let money drive out the love of God from your heart. Consciously give attention to everything that comes into your heart, whatever is not of God, dont let it sit for a second, because the devil is always on the move looking for hearts to hijack and plant his evil seed and motives. For someone reading this devotional today, I pray that you will not lose your heart to the devil, whatever you need to keep your heart right before God, I command them to find expression in your life in Jesus name.
Prayer point: My father and my God, please give me hunger and thirst for truth and make me a Heaven bound disciple, in Jesus name.
Key Dose: The centre of our heart is the centre of our life, so guard your heart.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor (IHPCT)
