Where are you shopping?
Where are you shopping?
Oct 30As part of my daily read this morning (iPhone YouVersion) something really hit me from Acts 8. In fact, it’s got me really scratching my head about some stuff… Hmmm…
The Word shows us that after the believers of Christ were scattered (following Stephen’s death & Saul’s increased persecution) they began to move into “all the world” – like Jesus told them to do in the first place – what’s it take to get your butt moving? Ok, that’s for another post, back to my thoughts today… So, Philip went to a town in Samaria and began to preach – it’s cool that despite running from persecution, they continued to run to their calling (v. 4). Wow, when things go bad for most of us (no where near being hunted down & running for our lives) do we see it as an opportunity to preach Christ everywhere we go? Ok, that’s for another post, back to my thoughts today… Ha! Do you see a pattern here??
Ok, so here’s the thing that jumped out to me today… Philip was given the ability to do amazing miracles and a guy named Simon (the sorcerer) was intrigued with them and perhaps the message as well. In fact, he appeared to convert to Christianity and was baptised. When Peter & John showed up to investigate the revival in Samaria, they laid hands on the new believers and they all received the Holy Spirit. “Whoa”, Simon thought, “I’ve got to have that kind of power” – no, not the power they were giving but the power to lay hands on others – I guess he thought, “that’s where the real profit can be gained…” – So, he offered Peter money to know the ‘trick’ – bad move – Peter doesn’t mix words as he says, “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart” (v. 20-22). Ouch!!
We look at Simon like some crazed, wicked imposter. But remember, to Philip he appeared saved and was even baptised in water. God can save sorcerers, witches and atheists – He does all the time. What hit me today was this thought: God wants to give us an anointing and ability to do great things – it comes through prayer, fasting & reading/obeying His Word. But, far too often people today – including church leaders/pastors – try to buy from others something God wants them to find in HIM alone. We shell out money for conference after conference and load up on the latest books, podcasts or blogs – we’ll spend hundreds or thousands to get the latest thing that works – then bring it back to impliment in our ministry – only to discover it doesn’t work…
God’s NOT for sale.
He can’t be bribed, tricked or pursuaded into anointing you or revealing His stategy & blessing. We must die to self and really, REALLY seek Him, know Him and obey Him. Wouldn’t you rather get it from the source? It’s not FREE with God either – although He won’t ‘charge you’ – it costs you everything that IN your heart, NOT in your wallet … “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” Jeremiah 29:13. Finding God = Finding Power … seeking anything else for the power is cheap no matter how much you pay. God’s not a gimic… KNOW HIM. Then, you’ll have all the power you ever need.
paying the price on my knees, Chilly
So important for all Christians to know. God wants to use me not what I learn from what other pastors learned from God. So good.
Wow… I want the real deal… JESUS! and whatever He wants to do IN me and THROUGH me!
So good. As I pursue Jesus He’ll give me the things He wants to, including everything I need to minister. I don’t need to “take” or “buy” anything because He (like you said) will give it freely. Thanks for sharing!
This is VERY true. I used to hope I’d get to go to every leadership conference one day. But then I thought, “If I’m gone at some conference every other week, how will I minister to the people I live with to serve?”Thanks!
Plus… Jesus is OPEN SOURCE.
WOW Pastor Chilly…that is some GOOD stuff…thank you for helping me to realize that its God i need to look to instead of looking to other things that i think would help me get to God.
good post! there are no shortcuts to hearing from God – it’s got to be between you and Him. I hate how I’m always tempted to go find a commentary whenever I read something in the Bible I don’t understand. It’s not necessarily shopping (Matthew Henry commentaries are free online
) but, I think it’s the same idea. It’s so much better when I figure out something myself, by praying and reflecting on it. I understand way more, and tend to internalize the lesson better. Thanks for the reminder 
Wow, this is so true… I remember being such a “theological buff” and being so focused on getting my theology straight based upon the views of others that my personal relationship with Jesus was suffering. I can’t find a better answer from anyone else than what I’d find through prayer, fasting & reading/obeying His Word! Thanks for always keeping the main thing the ONLY thing!
Wow…you said some MAJOR stuff there, my brother.May we all recognize the Spirit at work here!!
very awesome post. thanks pastor chilly. i gotta pay the price for closeness to God.
TJ
This is so powerful. I’ve never thought this when reading this passage, nor have I heard it preached anywhere. And yet, reading what God spoke to you hear, it jumps off the page (ok – the screen!). HE is the source of ALL that matters, all that we need – and I better not go looking elsewhere! Thanks, Chilly!
True. This is definitely something to beware of…and something i think can prabably be hard to do, because that means giving everything and seeking Him with everything. (the price to pay as you were talking about) Now a days many are not willing to pay that price when we see how easy it is to just adopt someone elses anointing (though unsuccessfully). Craziness. Thanks for always encouraging our growth and the finding of God’s plan and purpose for everyone of our indivual lives. We are all different, with different gifts and talents the Lord has blessed us with! so cool.
for REAL!