Pastor Baker's Blog

Entry for October 4, 2006

Daily Reading: Acts chapters 5 thru 8

Key Verses: Acts 5:3-4

When God is at work, Satan is present attempting to distort and pervert God's power. But where there is real spiritual power, deceit and hypocrisy will be readily exposed.

God was working to build community among the saints. However, Satan reared his ugly head in the form of pride. Ananias and Sapphira saw the gifts of Barnabas and others, and they decided they wanted to be acknowledged before men for their great gift. No one asked them to sell their property. No one asked them to give all the proceeds. The sin came when they professed to give all and did not. The Bible clearly states that they did not lie to men, but lied to the Holy Spirit. "All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives. Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established" (Proverbs 16:2-3). Peter asked Ananias how he could allow Satan to fill his heart. This was not a question of Ananias' salvation. Ananias was saved. God was displeased because this was the first case of sin in His church.

Seriously consider this question (remember it's not about man- it's about the Holy Spirit), when you perform acts in the name of the Lord, what is your motivation?

2006-10-04 14:38:05 GMT

Comments (2 total)

Author:Anonymous

My experience growing up Catholic meant to live right or God will be angry. When I began to understand the sacrifice of a biblical worldview and lifestyle, my motivation became devotion to Christ and an outpouring of self to His people. That is my primary motivation. But, I lose focus of that motivation when I become too preoccupied with His people. I allow expectations to influence me. I can see how Satan filled the heart of Ananias, too much focus on Barnabas will do that to you. Prayer and study is essential to refocus.
--Aundrea Baker
<mailto:abaker@thewaybiblefellowship.org>

2006-10-04 14:52:03 GMT

Author:Anonymous

Aundrea, when you said that you sometimes allow expectations to influence you, you really struck a chord with me. Recently, in dealing with my career options and trying to decide which path to take, I can honestly admit that I was not seeking God initially. Instead I was allowing people's expectations of me and what they thought I should do influence my decision. Hind sight is 20/20, and looking back I feel really silly about that, but I also realize that Satan played a part in changing my focus from God to man. Now, however, I'm glad to say that since I've been seeking God in several arenas of my life, including my career, He has lead me to do something that I know will be rewarding, teaching. In doing this, I know that my motivation is purely fulfilling God's will for my life and I will continue to check my motives in other areas as to not allow Satan to fill my heart.
--Stephanie

2006-10-04 19:03:13 GMT

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		Pastor Baker's Daily Devotional

		Entry for October 4, 2006 Daily Reading: Acts chapters 5 thru 8 Key Verses: Acts 5:3-4 When God is at work, Satan is present attempting to distort and pervert God's power. But where there is real spiritual power, deceit and hypocrisy will be readily exposed. God was working to build community among the saints. However, Satan reared his ugly head in the form of pride. Ananias and Sapphira saw the gifts of Barnabas and others, and they decided they wanted to be acknowledged before men for their great gift. No one asked them to sell their property. No one asked them to give all the proceeds. The sin came when they professed to give all and did not. The Bible clearly states that they did not lie to men, but lied to the Holy Spirit. "All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives. Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established" (Proverbs 16:2-3). Peter asked Ananias how he could allow Satan to fill his heart. This was not a question of Ananias' salvation. Ananias was saved. God was displeased because this was the first case of sin in His church. Seriously consider this question (remember it's not about man- it's about the Holy Spirit), when you perform acts in the name of the Lord, what is your motivation? 2006-10-04 14:38:05 GMT Comments (2 total) Author:Anonymous My experience growing up Catholic meant to live right or God will be angry. When I began to understand the sacrifice of a biblical worldview and lifestyle, my motivation became devotion to Christ and an outpouring of self to His people. That is my primary motivation. But, I lose focus of that motivation when I become too preoccupied with His people. I allow expectations to influence me. I can see how Satan filled the heart of Ananias, too much focus on Barnabas will do that to you. Prayer and study is essential to refocus. --Aundrea Baker <mailto:abaker@thewaybiblefellowship.org> 2006-10-04 14:52:03 GMT Author:Anonymous Aundrea, when you said that you sometimes allow expectations to influence you, you really struck a chord with me. Recently, in dealing with my career options and trying to decide which path to take, I can honestly admit that I was not seeking God initially. Instead I was allowing people's expectations of me and what they thought I should do influence my decision. Hind sight is 20/20, and looking back I feel really silly about that, but I also realize that Satan played a part in changing my focus from God to man. Now, however, I'm glad to say that since I've been seeking God in several arenas of my life, including my career, He has lead me to do something that I know will be rewarding, teaching. In doing this, I know that my motivation is purely fulfilling God's will for my life and I will continue to check my motives in other areas as to not allow Satan to fill my heart. --Stephanie 2006-10-04 19:03:13 GMT Site Home