SCRIPTURE: Acts 8:9-25
“You thought you could buy the gift of God with money!” (Acts 8:20)
When God’s Spirit takes hold of someone, there are significant changes.
This story shows how the gift of the Spirit is not something we control.
Simon could not get the ‘ability’ by buying it.
But notice, the Samaritans did not just get the gift because they were baptized.
The Spirit is not an impersonal force that we can control or manipulate.
It is not triggered by the right form of baptism, or the right person doing the baptism.
It is triggered by, activated by, given by the Spirit, as the Spirit determines.
This is true of all the gifts or results of the Spirit.
“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.” (1 Corinthians 12:11)
Our responsibility is to be humble , submissive and receptive, and allow God to work out His purpose in us.
“Pray to the Lord for me…” (Acts 8:24), that my heart may be right before God!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to be open to You (not just Your gifts), and to be open to when and how You determine to bless me.