August 25th-29th Devotional
"Integrity in Faith: Learning from Ananias and Sapphira"
Listen to the devotional podcast here
Day 1: The Grave Impact of Deception
Scripture Focus: Acts 5:1-11
Today, we begin a journey into the critical importance of integrity in our walk with Christ, learning from both modern and ancient examples. Pastor Rod Kincaid shares a sobering story from a 2023 Christianity Today article about a prominent mega-church pastor who was exposed for embezzling $200,000 from church donations intended for community outreach programs. This pastor had publicly announced a half-million-dollar fund for charities and encouraged sacrificial giving, only for an audit to reveal funds diverted to personal accounts for luxury purchases, including a vacation home. He initially denied the allegations but confessed due to financial records, leading to his resignation and legal consequences.
Pastor Kincaid emphasizes that such a story is not unique to our time but echoes a similar narrative found in the book of Acts concerning Ananias and Sapphira. These kinds of actions by a follower of Christ mar the image of Christ to a non-believer and can lead people to dismiss the church or even Jesus Himself. It causes separation between us and God and brings disgrace to Jesus' name.
However, Pastor Kincaid offers powerful "ammunition" for these situations: if someone butchers a Morgan Wallen song, you don't blame Morgan Wallen; you blame the one who played it off-key. Similarly, you should not blame Jesus for someone who misrepresents Him. That person will have to deal with Jesus directly. This is because God is an all-seeing, all-hearing, all-knowing God. What we think we're getting away with, we are not. What we think we can lie about, God knows it, Jesus heard about it, and the Holy Spirit sees it. Sin will inevitably come to light, either through exposure on earth or consequences with Jesus.
Declaration: I will strive to live a life of integrity that glorifies Christ and does not tarnish His image. I recognize that God sees and knows all, and I commit to honoring Him in all my actions, knowing that my representation of Him matters to the world.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for any times I have lived without integrity, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Help me to remember that my actions reflect on Your holy name. Grant me the grace to live in such a way that draws others to You, rather than pushing them away. May my life be a true melody, not an off-key rendition, of Your love and truth. Amen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 2: The Deceit of Ananias and Sapphira
Scripture Focus: Acts 5:1-11
The story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts chapter 5 is a profound illustration of the severity of deceit within the early church. This husband and wife owned property and, like others, sold it, bringing money to the apostles' feet. The act of "laying at the apostles' feet" was a gesture of submission to Christ, as the apostles represented Him. It meant offering one's gift to Christ Himself.
Ananias and Sapphira likely got the idea from Barnabas, who had genuinely sold a field and laid all the proceeds at the apostles' feet. However, Ananias and Sapphira made an agreement to withhold part of the money while presenting it as the full amount. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, miraculously knew of their deception. Peter was "prophesying," conveying divine revelation in the New Testament sense. He confronted Ananias, asking, "Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?". Peter clarified that the property and money were theirs to do with as they wished before the sale. They weren't obligated to give it all, but they lied about giving it all, wanting to look good like Barnabas.
Ananias immediately fell down and died. Three hours later, Sapphira came in, unaware of what had happened, and when questioned by Peter, she also lied, confirming they sold the land for "so much". Peter then asked, "How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord?". She too fell down and died. Their deaths are portrayed as God's direct judgment, not Peter's actions. This sent "great fear" upon the whole church – a fear of reverence and respect for God's holiness.
Declaration: I acknowledge the seriousness of lying to God and the Holy Spirit. I will strive for complete honesty in my dealings and recognize that any pretense of generosity while holding back is seen by God.
Prayer: Almighty God, I stand in awe of Your holiness and truth. Help me to truly understand the gravity of deceit, especially when it is an attempt to deceive You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may always speak and live truthfully, without the desire to pretend or withhold. May my offerings, whether of time, talent, or treasure, always be given with a sincere heart before You. Amen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 3: The Heart of the Matter – Where Sin Begins
Scripture Focus: Acts 5:3-4, 9
Pastor Rod Kincaid delves into the fundamental question: "What made them think of doing such a thing?". He highlights Peter's penetrating question to Ananias: "Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit...?". This immediately points to the origin of their sin. Peter then asks another significant question: "Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart?".
This emphasizes a crucial truth: sin starts in the heart. Pastor Kincaid powerfully states that while people often call for external changes like new laws, nothing will truly change unless the heart of man changes. He illustrates this by noting the first murder in Scripture was committed with a rock, implying that banning objects doesn't address the heart's evil.
Ananias and Sapphira had given time and energy to contrive this act of deceit. Peter’s words were clear: "You have not lied to man, but to God". This is a profound and sobering thought for us: we might think we are getting away with something, that nobody will know, but God already knows. He knows us intimately, and because of this, He will judge us.
Ultimately, Ananias and Sapphira's terrible sin was in their hearts, even though they didn't mention it openly. Peter, informed by the Holy Spirit, knew they had lied. This reiterates that sin will inevitably come to light, either through exposure here on earth or through facing the consequences with Jesus on Judgment Day.
Declaration: I recognize that sin originates in my heart, and I commit to guarding my heart against deceitful intentions. I will seek a pure heart, understanding that God sees and knows my deepest thoughts and motives.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, I invite You to search my heart and reveal any areas where deceit, ambition, or pride might be taking root. Cleanse my heart, Lord, and transform my desires to align with Yours. Help me to remember that true change begins within and that You desire sincerity and truth in my innermost being. May I never forget that my lies are ultimately to You, but also that Your grace can make me pure. Amen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 4: The Motives Behind the Deceit
Scripture Focus: Acts 5:3-4 and Matthew 6:33
To understand why Ananias and Sapphira did what they did, Pastor Rod Kincaid draws a parallel to the modern story of Elizabeth Holmes of Theranos. Holmes, once a celebrated self-made billionaire, was exposed for misrepresenting her company's blood testing technology. Her motives were a mix of ambition, pressure to succeed in Silicon Valley culture, and a fervent belief in her own vision, even as evidence mounted that the technology was flawed. Her relentless pursuit of fame and success, coupled with a culture that rewarded bold claims, obscured her ability to critically assess her motives. Like Ananias and Sapphira, her actions were driven by a desire for recognition without fully grappling with the moral implications.
Pastor Kincaid identifies four key reasons behind Ananias and Sapphira's actions:
1. They chose earthly pleasures over spiritual treasures. Their decision to withhold part of the proceeds, despite not being obligated to give all, showed an attachment to material wealth. They wanted to be like the early church but were unwilling to pay the full price of generosity and openness.
2. They prioritized human affirmation over God's validation. They sought the praise and recognition of the Christian community, wanting to appear as devoted as others like Barnabas, but were unwilling to fully commit. This revealed a desire for man's approval over God's.
3. They engaged in deceitful intent over spiritual integrity. Their mutual agreement to withhold part of the proceeds while claiming to give everything was a deliberate plan to deceive the apostles and the community. This intentional hypocrisy showed a lack of integrity and spiritual sincerity, a willingness to lie to both God and the church.
4. They followed the lies of the enemy instead of the truth of the Holy One. Peter explicitly states that "Satan filled Ananias' heart to lie to the Holy Spirit". This points to a spiritual failure, a susceptibility to temptation, prioritizing personal gain or image over integrity.
These motives reveal a profound spiritual lapse – a desire for the appearance of devotion without the reality of a transformed heart.
Declaration: I choose to prioritize spiritual treasures over earthly pleasures, seeking God's validation above human affirmation. I will uphold spiritual integrity in all my actions, resisting the enemy's lies, and embracing the truth of the Holy One.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I confess that I, too, can be driven by ambition, a desire for approval, or attachment to worldly possessions. Forgive me for the times I have sought human praise more than Your validation. Strengthen me to resist the lies of the enemy and to choose integrity in every circumstance. Help me to critically assess my motives and ensure they are rooted in a genuine desire to serve and honor You. Amen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 5: Living Authentically and Accountably Before God
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:33, John 14:15, Acts 5:11
The story of Ananias and Sapphira serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of living authentically before God. Pastor Kincaid stresses that our actions, even seemingly private ones, are seen by God. He challenges us to consider our consistency: how can we praise God with our mouths and hands, then use the same mouth to slander or the same hands to type hateful things online?. This calls for a "reverence before God" – understanding that He is a holy, righteous, sovereign God whom we are to respect.
This narrative encourages modern believers to embrace wholehearted devotion, accountability within the church, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. The church has a spiritual responsibility to hold people accountable, not in judgment, but in love, to help one another align with Christ. This fosters a healthy reverence for God, motivating us to live with sincerity and faithfulness.
Pastor Kincaid leaves us with four key charges for living faithfully for Christ today:
1. Prioritize spiritual treasures over earthly pleasures. As Matthew 6:33 states, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you". This means focusing on eternal values, not just temporal gains.
2. Seek God's validation over human affirmation. Especially relevant in an age of social media, we are challenged not to long for man's admiration (like "likes" on posts) but to live for God's validation.
3. Uphold spiritual integrity over deceitful intent. This requires knowing and living God's word and His ways. As John 14:15 says, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." This means choosing "duty over enticement".
4. Resist the enemy's lies and follow the Holy One's truth. We are to "keep our eyes on the prize and rebuke the lies" through the authority given to us in Jesus Christ, remembering we are sons and daughters of the Most High God.
We can live this life by the Holy Spirit's anointing, blessing, and indwelling, which gives us the ability to be sanctified and "set apart" from the world.
Declaration: "I will pursue spiritual treasures, not earthly pleasures. Seeking God's validation above human admiration. I choose duty over deception, keeping my eyes on the Holy One's truth, not the enemy's lies. To live faithfully for Christ."
Prayer: Father, thank You for the powerful and sobering lessons from Ananias and Sapphira. Help me to live a life of authentic devotion and integrity, always seeking Your kingdom first. Grant me the courage to embrace accountability within the church and to resist the constant pull of worldly desires and human approval. May Your Holy Spirit empower me daily to uphold spiritual integrity, rebuke the enemy's lies, and follow Your truth, so that I may truly live set apart for Your glory. Amen.
Listen to the devotional podcast here
Day 1: The Grave Impact of Deception
Scripture Focus: Acts 5:1-11
Today, we begin a journey into the critical importance of integrity in our walk with Christ, learning from both modern and ancient examples. Pastor Rod Kincaid shares a sobering story from a 2023 Christianity Today article about a prominent mega-church pastor who was exposed for embezzling $200,000 from church donations intended for community outreach programs. This pastor had publicly announced a half-million-dollar fund for charities and encouraged sacrificial giving, only for an audit to reveal funds diverted to personal accounts for luxury purchases, including a vacation home. He initially denied the allegations but confessed due to financial records, leading to his resignation and legal consequences.
Pastor Kincaid emphasizes that such a story is not unique to our time but echoes a similar narrative found in the book of Acts concerning Ananias and Sapphira. These kinds of actions by a follower of Christ mar the image of Christ to a non-believer and can lead people to dismiss the church or even Jesus Himself. It causes separation between us and God and brings disgrace to Jesus' name.
However, Pastor Kincaid offers powerful "ammunition" for these situations: if someone butchers a Morgan Wallen song, you don't blame Morgan Wallen; you blame the one who played it off-key. Similarly, you should not blame Jesus for someone who misrepresents Him. That person will have to deal with Jesus directly. This is because God is an all-seeing, all-hearing, all-knowing God. What we think we're getting away with, we are not. What we think we can lie about, God knows it, Jesus heard about it, and the Holy Spirit sees it. Sin will inevitably come to light, either through exposure on earth or consequences with Jesus.
Declaration: I will strive to live a life of integrity that glorifies Christ and does not tarnish His image. I recognize that God sees and knows all, and I commit to honoring Him in all my actions, knowing that my representation of Him matters to the world.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for any times I have lived without integrity, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Help me to remember that my actions reflect on Your holy name. Grant me the grace to live in such a way that draws others to You, rather than pushing them away. May my life be a true melody, not an off-key rendition, of Your love and truth. Amen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 2: The Deceit of Ananias and Sapphira
Scripture Focus: Acts 5:1-11
The story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts chapter 5 is a profound illustration of the severity of deceit within the early church. This husband and wife owned property and, like others, sold it, bringing money to the apostles' feet. The act of "laying at the apostles' feet" was a gesture of submission to Christ, as the apostles represented Him. It meant offering one's gift to Christ Himself.
Ananias and Sapphira likely got the idea from Barnabas, who had genuinely sold a field and laid all the proceeds at the apostles' feet. However, Ananias and Sapphira made an agreement to withhold part of the money while presenting it as the full amount. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, miraculously knew of their deception. Peter was "prophesying," conveying divine revelation in the New Testament sense. He confronted Ananias, asking, "Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?". Peter clarified that the property and money were theirs to do with as they wished before the sale. They weren't obligated to give it all, but they lied about giving it all, wanting to look good like Barnabas.
Ananias immediately fell down and died. Three hours later, Sapphira came in, unaware of what had happened, and when questioned by Peter, she also lied, confirming they sold the land for "so much". Peter then asked, "How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord?". She too fell down and died. Their deaths are portrayed as God's direct judgment, not Peter's actions. This sent "great fear" upon the whole church – a fear of reverence and respect for God's holiness.
Declaration: I acknowledge the seriousness of lying to God and the Holy Spirit. I will strive for complete honesty in my dealings and recognize that any pretense of generosity while holding back is seen by God.
Prayer: Almighty God, I stand in awe of Your holiness and truth. Help me to truly understand the gravity of deceit, especially when it is an attempt to deceive You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may always speak and live truthfully, without the desire to pretend or withhold. May my offerings, whether of time, talent, or treasure, always be given with a sincere heart before You. Amen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 3: The Heart of the Matter – Where Sin Begins
Scripture Focus: Acts 5:3-4, 9
Pastor Rod Kincaid delves into the fundamental question: "What made them think of doing such a thing?". He highlights Peter's penetrating question to Ananias: "Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit...?". This immediately points to the origin of their sin. Peter then asks another significant question: "Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart?".
This emphasizes a crucial truth: sin starts in the heart. Pastor Kincaid powerfully states that while people often call for external changes like new laws, nothing will truly change unless the heart of man changes. He illustrates this by noting the first murder in Scripture was committed with a rock, implying that banning objects doesn't address the heart's evil.
Ananias and Sapphira had given time and energy to contrive this act of deceit. Peter’s words were clear: "You have not lied to man, but to God". This is a profound and sobering thought for us: we might think we are getting away with something, that nobody will know, but God already knows. He knows us intimately, and because of this, He will judge us.
Ultimately, Ananias and Sapphira's terrible sin was in their hearts, even though they didn't mention it openly. Peter, informed by the Holy Spirit, knew they had lied. This reiterates that sin will inevitably come to light, either through exposure here on earth or through facing the consequences with Jesus on Judgment Day.
Declaration: I recognize that sin originates in my heart, and I commit to guarding my heart against deceitful intentions. I will seek a pure heart, understanding that God sees and knows my deepest thoughts and motives.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, I invite You to search my heart and reveal any areas where deceit, ambition, or pride might be taking root. Cleanse my heart, Lord, and transform my desires to align with Yours. Help me to remember that true change begins within and that You desire sincerity and truth in my innermost being. May I never forget that my lies are ultimately to You, but also that Your grace can make me pure. Amen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 4: The Motives Behind the Deceit
Scripture Focus: Acts 5:3-4 and Matthew 6:33
To understand why Ananias and Sapphira did what they did, Pastor Rod Kincaid draws a parallel to the modern story of Elizabeth Holmes of Theranos. Holmes, once a celebrated self-made billionaire, was exposed for misrepresenting her company's blood testing technology. Her motives were a mix of ambition, pressure to succeed in Silicon Valley culture, and a fervent belief in her own vision, even as evidence mounted that the technology was flawed. Her relentless pursuit of fame and success, coupled with a culture that rewarded bold claims, obscured her ability to critically assess her motives. Like Ananias and Sapphira, her actions were driven by a desire for recognition without fully grappling with the moral implications.
Pastor Kincaid identifies four key reasons behind Ananias and Sapphira's actions:
1. They chose earthly pleasures over spiritual treasures. Their decision to withhold part of the proceeds, despite not being obligated to give all, showed an attachment to material wealth. They wanted to be like the early church but were unwilling to pay the full price of generosity and openness.
2. They prioritized human affirmation over God's validation. They sought the praise and recognition of the Christian community, wanting to appear as devoted as others like Barnabas, but were unwilling to fully commit. This revealed a desire for man's approval over God's.
3. They engaged in deceitful intent over spiritual integrity. Their mutual agreement to withhold part of the proceeds while claiming to give everything was a deliberate plan to deceive the apostles and the community. This intentional hypocrisy showed a lack of integrity and spiritual sincerity, a willingness to lie to both God and the church.
4. They followed the lies of the enemy instead of the truth of the Holy One. Peter explicitly states that "Satan filled Ananias' heart to lie to the Holy Spirit". This points to a spiritual failure, a susceptibility to temptation, prioritizing personal gain or image over integrity.
These motives reveal a profound spiritual lapse – a desire for the appearance of devotion without the reality of a transformed heart.
Declaration: I choose to prioritize spiritual treasures over earthly pleasures, seeking God's validation above human affirmation. I will uphold spiritual integrity in all my actions, resisting the enemy's lies, and embracing the truth of the Holy One.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I confess that I, too, can be driven by ambition, a desire for approval, or attachment to worldly possessions. Forgive me for the times I have sought human praise more than Your validation. Strengthen me to resist the lies of the enemy and to choose integrity in every circumstance. Help me to critically assess my motives and ensure they are rooted in a genuine desire to serve and honor You. Amen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 5: Living Authentically and Accountably Before God
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:33, John 14:15, Acts 5:11
The story of Ananias and Sapphira serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of living authentically before God. Pastor Kincaid stresses that our actions, even seemingly private ones, are seen by God. He challenges us to consider our consistency: how can we praise God with our mouths and hands, then use the same mouth to slander or the same hands to type hateful things online?. This calls for a "reverence before God" – understanding that He is a holy, righteous, sovereign God whom we are to respect.
This narrative encourages modern believers to embrace wholehearted devotion, accountability within the church, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. The church has a spiritual responsibility to hold people accountable, not in judgment, but in love, to help one another align with Christ. This fosters a healthy reverence for God, motivating us to live with sincerity and faithfulness.
Pastor Kincaid leaves us with four key charges for living faithfully for Christ today:
1. Prioritize spiritual treasures over earthly pleasures. As Matthew 6:33 states, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you". This means focusing on eternal values, not just temporal gains.
2. Seek God's validation over human affirmation. Especially relevant in an age of social media, we are challenged not to long for man's admiration (like "likes" on posts) but to live for God's validation.
3. Uphold spiritual integrity over deceitful intent. This requires knowing and living God's word and His ways. As John 14:15 says, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." This means choosing "duty over enticement".
4. Resist the enemy's lies and follow the Holy One's truth. We are to "keep our eyes on the prize and rebuke the lies" through the authority given to us in Jesus Christ, remembering we are sons and daughters of the Most High God.
We can live this life by the Holy Spirit's anointing, blessing, and indwelling, which gives us the ability to be sanctified and "set apart" from the world.
Declaration: "I will pursue spiritual treasures, not earthly pleasures. Seeking God's validation above human admiration. I choose duty over deception, keeping my eyes on the Holy One's truth, not the enemy's lies. To live faithfully for Christ."
Prayer: Father, thank You for the powerful and sobering lessons from Ananias and Sapphira. Help me to live a life of authentic devotion and integrity, always seeking Your kingdom first. Grant me the courage to embrace accountability within the church and to resist the constant pull of worldly desires and human approval. May Your Holy Spirit empower me daily to uphold spiritual integrity, rebuke the enemy's lies, and follow Your truth, so that I may truly live set apart for Your glory. Amen.
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