How Could You Think of Testing the Holy Spirit?

Then Peter said, "Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren't lying to us but to God!" As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified. ... And Peter said, "How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too." Acts 5:3-5, 9 NLT

 

Peter caught Ananias and Sapphira in a lie. They were doing the big NO NO—blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Jesus told the Pharisees…So I tell you, every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven—except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven. Matthew 12:31 NLT. Just like Peter admonished Ananias, we are admonished not to let Satan fill your heart—or your mind. The whole tithing issue is just that with a lot of people—a big issue. Everything belongs to God. We are so blessed here in the United States to have such prosperity—but there are still many people going hungry here in the US. Google: Hunger in America 2015 for the latest statistics. People are hungry. Those in rural areas may be more fortunate if there is land available for gardening…but this time of the year that is not an option for most of the US. Even in the south the growing season is cut short. Hunger is something that will always be with us. Just as Jesus said…For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me. Mark 14:7. His advice was…"If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry." Luke 3:11 NLT. Give.

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, give us grace to see those who are hungry—physically and spiritually—and help us to help them in any way that we can.

 

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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