Study Scripture:
You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God.
- Acts 8:21 (NIV)
The role of power in the life of a believer can never be ignored. The currency of the end-time church is power. If you are powerless, you will be oppressed by the devil. Power is not collected by proxy, it is collected intentionally in the place of prayers.
Two types of spiritual power are:
- Spiritual power to live daily in Christ
- Spiritual power to win and subdue the activities of satan in the world
Presently, there is a broad exhibition of powerlessness amongst believers.
LAW #1: A WRONG HEART FOR GOD AND HIS THINGS
A wrong heart for God is simply a heart that goes after God only for what the individual wishes to get from God. Some people use God as a spiritual insurance company. They attend church services in search of job, husband/wife, child, etc. This is the reason behind the powerlessness of many Christians.
The book of Acts 8 vs 1-21 tells the story of a Simon who understand the value of power. Before he met the apostle Philip, he was making money from the Samaritans from his wizardry. He followed Apostle Philip everywhere because of the signs and wonders that were performed by God through Philip. On seeing people receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands by Apostles Peter and John; he offered them money to receive the same power. Apostle Peter rebuked him for trying to purchase the gift of God with his money.
Two things could be observed here; the first is that Simon repented and got baptized, yet his heart was not right with God. He was after signs and wonders. The second is that Apostle Philip did not discern that Simon’s heart was not right with God though he was following him everywhere.
This is the same thing we see in our churches today, many people want to buy God’s power with their money but that is not the perfect exchange. Power is accessed with a genuine heart for God. Power increases by reason of pursuit of God. Power increases at the desperate seeking and searching of God. Power leakage occurs by reason of pursuit after material things. Power is not bought with money but with a right heart.
Prayer Line: Oh LORD, purge my heart from lust after material things and give me a genuine heart for you in Jesus name. Amen!