Offered Them Money

Scripture: 18 Simon watched all this closely. He saw the Holy Spirit coming to the people when the apostles laid hands on them. So he came to Peter and John and offered them money. Simon: 19 “I want to purchase this ability to confer the Holy Spirit on people through the laying on of my hands.” Peter: 20 May your silver rot right away with you, Simon! To think the Holy Spirit is some kind of magic that can be procured with money! 21 You aren’t even close to being ready for this kind of ministry; your heart is not right with God. 22 You need to turn from your past, and you need to pray that the Lord will forgive the evil intent of your heart. 23 I can see deep bitterness has poisoned you, and wickedness has locked you in chains.” Simon: 24 “Please —you must pray to the Lord for me. I don’t want these terrible things to be true of me.” (Acts 8:18-24 The Voice) Simon had gained a reputation of greatness in Samaria. So much so in fact that Everyone—not just poor or uneducated people, but also the city’s elite—paid him great respect. But then the apostles came and many believed because of the words they spoke and signs they performed including Simon. As he watched Peter and John lay hands on people to receive the Holy Spirit, he wanted that ability as well. And so he offered to pay for it. Again we see through this that it is our heart that is important in the things of God. We can’t earn, and we can’t pay for the spiritual abilities that God gives. Father, You are good and You are gracious. You are the One that gives gifts to us as we are able to receive. Thank You! Help me to be grateful for what You have given me and not to be jealous or envious of others and their gifts. AMEN I will be patient for my Lord to act! I will continue to travel steadily along His path. Being honest and good offers a wonderful future. Psalm 37
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