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 Acts 5:1-10

         We need to be honest with ourselves. We are sinners. We need God, here and now, and for eternity. He’s our only way out of this mess. It was always His plan to rescue mankind. And at just the right time, he did.

         But do we trust Him? Is eternity our home? Or is our heart divided? Are we really trusting in ourselves and our earthly stuff? Have we let Satan fill our hearts?

         Satan plays for keeps. He fights for our souls. He does not want you or me with the Almighty for eternity. The responsibility is ours alone. I can’t make your decision, and you can’t make mine. Like Ananias, we can choose to let Satan fill our hearts (v. 3). Let us be completely honest with the Holy Spirit. He’s God. Give him complete control. Let me turn, Lord Jesus, from my wicked ways. Let us stop lying and deceiving. May Satan never fill my heart.

God gives us freedom but expects purity, honesty, and obedience. God needs no help. He needs no schemers to prompt Him. He asks not for our counsel. Or our money. We need God, not the other way around. May we stay on the right path. God wants us on a good course - His path. He offers us that path right now, today. Every day we have air in our lungs. He advises us and helps us along. He wants not to force us. In fact, it pains God that some people need a bit and a bridle to keep us under control (Psalm 32). Let us confess our guilt today. Let us stop conspiring and trying to hide our shame. Thank you, Jesus, that we have your unfailing love. We can rejoice in our Savior and Protector, Jesus Christ. Lord God, today we ask for understanding and wisdom to live a disciplined and good life.

         The church is filled with hypocrisy today. There is no godly power or blessing because our leaders are not worried about God’s justice. There is little concern about fibs, lies, and fraud. So many see “our stuff as our stuff” and the church as merely a beneficial tool to get more stuff. Shame on us. Shame on our so-called leaders. May each of us take responsibility before the Creator and repent of our greed and lies to the Holy Spirit. The apostles knew Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. We must as well. And we do! Lord, may we never conspire against you or fight against you. Help us to be faithful to you. Amen.


Gramps with Archer.
Kari and Jackson

 

 

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