Monday October 12, 2009 MOTIVES!
Simon saw that the Spirit was given to the Samaritans when the apostles placed their hands on them. So he offered Peter and John money and said, "Give me this power so that anyone I place my hands on will receive the Holy Spirit." Peter told Simon, "May your money be destroyed with you because you thought you could buy God's gift. You won't have any share in this because God can see how twisted your thinking is. So change your wicked thoughts, and ask the Lord if he will forgive you for thinking like this. I can see that you are bitter with jealousy and wrapped up in your evil ways." Simon answered, "Pray to the Lord for me that none of the things you said will happen to me." After they had boldly spoken about the message of the Lord, they spread the Good News in many Samaritan villages on their way back to Jerusalem. Acts 8:18-25 When persecution of Christians began in Jerusalem, God's people scattered again. However, this time they had something they didn't have back in Jeremiah's day - they had the power of the Holy Spirit with them - individually. Philip ended up in Samaria. He began sharing about Jesus and praying for people. Through the power of God many people were delivered from demonic strongholds and healed. Well, a man named Simon happened to be one of those. Prior to accepting the Good News, Simon was a sorcerer. The people in his town held him in high esteem because he could manifest miracles too. They even called him "the Great One - the power of God" (Acts 8:10) However, once he accepted Christ the demonic powers left him and the people realized what the true power of God was. Well, Simon wanted this "new" power and was willing to pay any price for it - well, almost any price. Then Peter comes - good old Peter. I don't think Peter was "speaking the truth in love" at this particular moment. Peter was confronting bitterness and jealousy in Simon's life. Before we can go on with God we too may have to face these two demons. If we are going to serve God through the power of the Holy Spirit - God will first have to remove any traces of bitterness and jealousy. I remember very well when God made me face the truth that I was jealous of an awesome, gifted singer in the church Roger and I once attended. The jealousy was so bad that I couldn't even attend her concert when we were still members. Yet, when God moved me to buy her CD the presence of God filled my office. The convicting power of the Holy Spirit drove me to tears. I had to call her and confess what was going on and I do believe my Father was pleased. If we are going to go on with God into His purpose for our lives He will get us to the place where our motives will be examined. It is painful, but it too will lead us to praise and His purpose will become clear. Oh, let us pray for one another that our motives will stay pure. Father, I thank You so much for leading me to the point of repentance - when it is necessary. Thank You for removing jealousy and bitterness from my life every time they surface. Please touch anyone reading this today who may be at a brick wall of bitterness and jealousy. Free them to fly and soar above whatever is holding them back from serving You! O. Addison Gethers e-mail address [email protected] [email protected] twitter URL http//:twitter.com/OAddisonGethers Messenger contact window live/msn messenger: [email protected] aim: durangoadd64 skype: cowboys62 yahoo messenger: OADDISONGETHERS rs --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Deaf-Blind Inspirational Life Group" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/dbilg?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
