Good morning! Have you ever been in a situation where you were casually talking to someone and they lied? Maybe in that conversation you began to share truthful moments and were having a wonderful time talking about life. For awhile things were going well and trust was developing, but for some unknown reason in the middle of that conversation that person began to lie to you. Today we will read about a lie that was told to Peter in Acts chapter 5.

Bible Verse – Acts 5:1-6 NLT
“¹ Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. ² With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.

³ 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? ⁴ Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”

⁵ When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. ⁶ Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.”

Reflection
As we read in Acts 4:32-37, the believers were unified “1 heart & mind”. They gave to those who were in need and no one lacked anything. In our reading there is no evidence that anyone was forced to contribute or sell their property. Those who did, did so willing and from the heart.

However, in these verses we learned Ananias had sold his property and gave a portion to the believers/church.

Key points:

• Ananias and Sapphira were husband and wife, they sold a piece of their property.

• Ananias’ wife had full knowledge of his decision to hold back some of the money.

• He kept part of the money & gave the rest to the apostles.

• Satan filled Ananias’ heart causing Ananias to lie to the Holy Spirit.

• Peter accused Ananias of lying to the people and God.

There wasn’t an issue with Ananias withholding his money, as Peter said “Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal?”. The issue is that Ananias lied about it, not only to the people but to God. That lie cost Ananias his life.

Sisters and brothers, Ananias gave Satan an opportunity to use him. He allowed his desire (to keep some for himself) and his appearance to others (let others believe he had done more than he did) to be led by Satan. Let us be mindful of how Satan will seek to use us, cause us to lie or help us blind others into believing half truths. Let us be honest before God, he knows the truth anyway. Let us be honest before others, especially if they trust you/me.

Sisters and brothers if you feel like you need to lie to someone – let me encourage you to examine your heart. Ask yourself:

• Why am I lying?

• Is it necessary?

• Should I end the conversation before I lie?

• What will it cost me if I continue to lie?

• What will it cost me if I tell the truth?

Sisters and brothers the truth will set you free in many areas of your life. Speak truth.

Prayer
Father God we thank you for this example of Ananias’ life. Father you are so merciful and gracious to have extended our lives amid the lies we have told. Father you know the truth. You know our hearts and the reasons why we have lied, but Father this message today offers us the reminder that the truth will set us free. Father we do not want Satan filling our hearts. Father in the name of Jesus we bind Satan from filling our hearts with untruth and a desire to spread lies. Lord make us new in you. Capture our thoughts and tongues, and keep us from sinning against you. Help us to be honest in all of our dealings and give us the courage to stand in faith and speak the truth. Lord, protect us from the lies of the enemy and those who desire to lie to us. Use us Lord to advance your kingdom as you see fit. Lord, heal those who are ill. Reduce their fevers, clear their lungs, relieve the head and body aches and cure them. Lord, we pray for those who have been laid off their jobs, furloughed or are looking for a new job. Lord, open doors of employment in a healthy and stable environment. In Jesus name we pray amen.

——–

PRAYER REQUEST
Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

Bible Reference: http://www.biblegateway.com

Copyright ©️ 2022 Mary E. White Ministries, all rights reserved.