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bigmike

Acts 8:18-19 (LSB) 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit had been bestowed through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
The power of God is more than the human mind can comprehend.
It is mind-blowing when we see God at work.
It is even more fascinating and humbling when we see Him move on our behalf.
One thing that I have seen over the years is that seeing God move can cause envy and jealousy.
The power that is on display is something that can cause us to covet it if we are not careful, and we do not allow the Holy Spirit to check us and keep us in line.
Simon had this problem. He had witnessed God moving through the disciples. He saw lives changed. And he wanted a piece of the action.
This envy caused him to offer Peter money.
Being full of the Holy Spirit himself, Peter rose up and admonished Simon strongly.
Acts 8:20 (LSB) 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you supposed you could obtain the gift of God with money!
Just as salvation is not for sale, God’s Spirit is also not for sale.
God gives His Spirit to followers of Christ, as Jesus promised would happen.
As His followers, let us be careful not to take Him (the Holy Spirit) for granted. Nor should we forget that He is a gift from the Father, sent to lead, guide, and protect us.
Jesus said that He would ask the Father to send a Helper. And that is what the Father sent.
Let us walk in Him, that we may bear much fruit for God’s kingdom during our time here on the earth.
Amen 🙏

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