MRE- Acts 8:19

Acts 8:19 (NLT)
"Let me have this power, too," he exclaimed, "so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!"

Today's verse is the latter part of what we saw yesterday where Simon who was once a sorcerer offered the Apostles money to try and obtain this same power.

He most definitely had the wrong motive and didn’t truly understand the principles of the Kingdom. We are going to see Peter confront him on this matter starting in tomorrow's verse.

When seeking the Lord for anything we must ensure our motives are pure. Scripture tells us that in many places, and I will give a few.

Proverbs 16:2 (NLT)
“People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives.”

Ecclesiastes 12:14 (NLT)
“God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.”

James 4:3 (NLT)
“And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong-you want only what will give you pleasure.”

We must examine ourselves and check our motives before we seek the Lord. Why are we asking for it? Will it glorify Jesus? Will it help advance the Kingdom?

So many are and continue to stay stuck on needs, and scripture tells us.

Philippians 4:19 (NLT)
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:25-34‬ (‭NLT‬‬)
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

Let us move past these types of prayers, with pure motives and seek the Lord for much bigger things that can truly impact the advancement of the Gospel!

Blessings in Jesus Name!!!