Title: No Hiding Place
Memorize: “Talk no more so very proudly; let no arrogance come from your mouth, for the Lord is the God of knowledge; and by Him actions are weighed. 1 Samuel 2:3 (Nkjv)
Bible Reading: Acts 5:1-11 (Nkjv)
[1] But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.
[2] And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
[3] But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?
[4] While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
[5] Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.
[6] And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
[7] Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
[8] And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.”
[9] Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”
[10] Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.
[11] So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.
Message:
Can a whole being hide behind a finger? The answer is No. This is how impossible it is to hide anything from God.
He knows everything, including the thoughts of your heart. He knows the motive behind your actions.
King Saul, in 1 Samuel 15:13-15, lied about carrying out God’s instructions fully.
He thought he could lie to the prophet, but God had already revealed everything to Samuel.
Are you like King Saul? Have you changed your name or mode of dressing to belong to a sect in school?
Do you falsify your academic results in order to appear diligent? Have you been lying to your parents about different things?
My dear child, remember what happened to Ananias and Sapphira, who lied to the Holy Spirit and died on the spot in today’s Bible reading.
The devil deceives people by telling them that if they speak the truth, they will be penalized for it, and so, people lie or remain mute.
However, the truth is the only thing that will eventually set a child of God free.
If you are living a life of deception, I implore you today to open up your life to the light of Christ and repent totally.
Prayer Point:
Father, please help me to live truthfully all the days of my life.
HYMN 9 – IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE, GOD ONLY WISE
1 Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious,
Thy great name we praise.
2 Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds which are fountains
of goodness and love.
3 To all life Thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish, but nought changeth Thee.
4 Great Father of Glory, pure Father of Light
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All laud we would render, O help Us to see:
‘Tis only the splendour of light hideth Thee.
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 22:1-23:23, Acts 2:1-47
Authors: Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye