Song # 1597.1 from Our Gospel In Song Collection by Col Johnston. In the Book of Acts we read in chapter 8 that a sorcerer named Simon saw the Apostles laying their hands on Samarians to receive the Holy Spirit. Simon offered them money for this gift from God.
When the Apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them (Acts 8:14). When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:15), because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, they had simply been baptised into the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 8:16). Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17). When Simon the sorcerer saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the Apostles’ hands, he offered them money (Acts 8:18), and said “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands will receive the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:19). Peter answered “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money” (Acts 8:20). “You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God” (Acts 8:21). “Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart” (Acts 8:22).
Thought for today: face your sins, repent, and put them behind you.
Thought for the future: your love for God can change the world, but don’t let the world change your love for God. Where will you spend your eternity?