Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?”
Acts 5:3 (NIV)
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Today’s Devotional
Acts 5:3 recounts a significant event in the early church, where Ananias and his wife Sapphira, deceived the apostles and the Holy Spirit by withholding a portion of the money they received from the sale of their property. Peter’s question to Ananias serves as a stark reminder of the power of sin and the capacity for deception within our hearts.
This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts and consider if there are areas where we might be attempting to deceive God or others. We must be vigilant against the subtle influences of sin, which can lead us away from a sincere relationship with God and others. By confessing our sins and seeking God’s forgiveness, we can overcome the deception of sin and experience the freedom and abundant life that Christ offers.
Time to reflect
As we reflect on Acts 5:3, let us consider how we can guard against the deception of sin in our lives:
- Examine our hearts regularly, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas of deception or unconfessed sin.
- Confess our sins to God and seek His forgiveness, remembering that He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
- Be honest with ourselves and others, striving for transparency in our relationships and actions.
- Surround ourselves with godly friends and mentors who can hold us accountable and encourage us to walk in integrity.
- Pray for wisdom and discernment to recognize the subtle influences of sin and resist temptation.
Prayer Of The Day
Lord, we thank You for Your grace and forgiveness that covers our sins. Help us to be vigilant against the deception of sin in our lives. Give us the wisdom and discernment to recognize and resist temptation, and guide us in walking with integrity and transparency in our relationships. Empower us by Your Holy Spirit to live lives that bring honor and glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
Strengthening Faith
In response to Acts 5:3, let us commit to:
- Examining our hearts regularly and asking the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of deception or unconfessed sin.
- Confessing our sins and seeking God’s forgiveness.
- Striving for transparency and honesty in our relationships and actions.
- Seeking godly friends and mentors to hold us accountable and encourage us to walk in integrity.
- Praying for wisdom and discernment to recognize and resist the subtle influences of sin.
Today Wisdom
Acts 5:3 is a powerful reminder of the danger of deception and the need for vigilance against sin in our lives. By examining our hearts, confessing our sins, and seeking God’s forgiveness, we can overcome the deception of sin and walk in the freedom and abundant life that Christ offers. Let us strive for transparency and integrity in our relationships and actions, and pray for the wisdom and discernment to recognize and resist the subtle influences of sin.
