The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 27 JUNE 2023 – TOPIC: BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
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THE DAILY FOUNTAIN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
DATE: TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2023
TOPIC: BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
4:33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
4:34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
4:35 and laid [them] at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
4:36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,
4:37 having land, sold [it,] and brought the money and laid [it] at the apostles’ feet.
5:1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.
5:2 And he kept back [part] of the proceeds, his wife also being aware [of it,] and brought a certain part and laid [it] at the apostles’ feet.
5:3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back [part] of the price of the land for yourself?
5:4 “While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
5:5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.
5:6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried [him] out, and buried [him.]
5:7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
5:8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.”
5:9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband [are] at the door, and they will carry you out.”
5:10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying [her] out, buried [her] by her husband.
5:11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.
5:12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.
5:13 Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.
5:14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,
5:15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid [them] on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.
5:16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
THE MESSAGE:
God continued His wonderful works through the early Apostles. The believers grew in number, shared things in common and showed genuine love for God and for one another (Acts 4:33-37). The story of Ananias and Saphira, however, was an attempt by the ancient Serpent to destroy again the joyful communion of the believers with God as he did to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit discerned the plot and said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit…” (Acts 5:3). Ananias and Saphira lied against the Holy Spirit and fell for their sin.
Today’s text shows that when believers are in peaceful fellowship, the devil is not happy and will always seek ways to break their relationship with God and themselves. Anyone in the bondage of the devil manifests the works of the flesh – lying, jealousy, party spirit, hatred, envy, etc. (Galatians 5:19). It is only through the infilling of the Holy Spirit that you can discern the schemes of Satan around you and overcome it. God’s desire is that the Holy Spirit abides in you forever (John 14:16b). Are you filled with the Holy Spirit? Ask Him to come into your life today.
PRAYER: Spirit Divine, come into my life today and break every work of the flesh in Jesus’ name. Amen
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