In the One Year Bible reading for today, we read these verses:
1 KINGS 9:1-10:29
ACTS 8:14-40
PSALM 130:1-8
PROVERBS 17:2-3
ACTS 8:14-40
PSALM 130:1-8
PROVERBS 17:2-3
Looking at Acts, we see a magician following Peter around and seeing him pray for people to receive the Holy Spirit. He offers to give Peter money for this ability. This is where the term Simony comes from (televangelists should study this word carefully).
Peter says no way. And if we step back, we see that this man Simon tried to buy a gift from God. But you can't buy gifts, right? But definition, they're free. So don't try to bribe God. Don't promise to give 20% of your money to the church of He just gives you that new job. God doesn't make deals: He gives gifts joyfully and freely. And He asks that in return we give Him (mostly by giving to the poor) with the same joy and freedom.
God, thanks for teaching us not to try to buy Your gifts... but to accept them freely. And to give cheerfully to the poor in gratitude.
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