Judges 18:16–31; Acts 8:14–25; John 6:1–15
My dad caught a twelve pound large-mouth bass in Orlando. He had it mounted and it hung on the wall of our Florida Room for many years. He was proud of his catch and because it meant a lot to him, he would say, “There’s no amount of money I’d take for that fish.”
Peter told the magician, Simon, that there was no amount of money that could buy the power he wanted. The Holy Spirit’s value is in the faith of those who receive it. God’s grace and will infuse the believer with the Spirit. If your heart is not right before God, then no matter what you have or what you have achieved can earn it.
We are but vessels to carry this great gift of grace. We are not in this relationship with God at our bidding, but at God’s. He has called us through the gospel, enlightened us with his gifts, and brought us to true faith. The operative word is “brought.” We did not search it out and obtain it. It is always God’s choice and always God’s action that allows us to participate in his plan of salvation.
Prayer: Lord, strengthen my faith. Amen.
Today’s devotion was written by Randy Conley, Pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Hubbard Lake, MI.