TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
Please read Acts 5:1-11
But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.
Acts 5:1–6
DEVOTIONAL
by Elder Chris Beltran
Another measurement of a spirit-filled person is not just church attendance, knowledge about the Bible, or serving in some ministries; it is about your intimate walk with the Father. And one indicator in today’s context is in our giving. Faithful giving is an act of faith that the Lord will provide.
Ananias and Sapphira did not commit any heinous crime; they just lied by not telling the whole truth. Lying seems to be a big part of our society. For some, lying is so common that we no longer feel guilty about it. However, we must recognize that sin is sin in God’s eyes. Jesus said, if you hate a person in your heart, it is the same thing as murder. The church’s revival can only happen when the church practices honesty, purity, and holiness by being Christ-like.
What then happened to the early church? Because of accountability, the purity and holiness of the church were preserved, and God worked wonders. God continued to authenticate the apostles by signs and wonders. People were healed, and demons were cast out. Conversions came in the multitudes, even amid extreme persecution. People were transformed both on the inside and outside. It is evident in this passage that the Lord wanted those who professed to be His followers. In His service, we must be honest, pure, and holy in our thoughts, hearts, words, and deeds.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we humbly come before You, recognizing that true spirituality goes beyond external measures. Help us cultivate an intimate walk with You, rooted in faith and demonstrated through faithful giving. Convict us of any dishonesty or impurity in our lives, and lead us to pursue holiness in all our thoughts, words, and actions. May the church be a beacon of honesty, purity, and holiness, enabling Your work and wonders to manifest among us, in Jesus’ name, amen.
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