Tuesday, January 26, 2010 Reading for the Day: Matthew 3-4; Acts 4-6 Focus on Acts 5
The account of Ananias and Sapphira has always impressed me. I don't know when I first read it, but I'm sure it was as a small boy. The passage makes it clear that honesty IS the best policy. Imagine the impact in our day if someone brought a gift to the Lord and because of not being forthright about it the Holy Spirit took the person out. It sounds so harsh. And yet, Ananias and Sapphira almost did something great. They sold their house and gave a lot of the proceeds to the work of the church. That would have been great. Their sin wasn't in keeping something for themselves, but in portraying to everyone that they had given ALL the proceeds to God. We're told that when the other believers found out what happened that great fear fell upon them. I'm sure it did! They had to examine their hearts and motivations. The purity of their hearts must have increased, as they realized that God took them seriously in ALL aspects of life. What area or areas of your life need to be purified by the Holy Spirit today? Lay them before the Lord, and ask for Him to renew you by the Holy Spirit. After all, He already knows what they are, and the blessing of having Him transform us may mean that our witness impacts others to trust Him as their Savior and Lord as well.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your grace in Jesus Christ that removes the penalty of sin, which is death. Let me be a light for You today, that others may be drawn to know and trust You. too. This I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
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