As I worked through Acts 8 last week, I was really challenged by today’s thoughts. Unfortunately, I am one who loves ‘end results’ but despise the process of obtaining them. Shortcuts are always welcomed. 
On another note, I would like to encourage you, if you haven’t done so already, to take advantage of a free online bible program called YouVersion. YouVersion.com is a great place for reading and studying the bible. Sign up for a free account and join our group, Hilo Church of God. Each Sunday I will post my outline, bulletin information, and other service relevant items for you to access and interact with us in service.
Beginning this week, we will utilize a LIVE ‘prayer request’ event that will allow you to add someone to our intensive prayer effort. For the next 3 weeks we will be praying for change in the lives of the most difficult people we know. Click on http://read.ly/e/IL and anonymously add a name to our list. We will work to protect identities during our prayer efforts.
If you have questions, feel free to email me for more information.
Aloha,
allen
Thoughts
When it comes to books, I’m a sucker. Though I have a 100+ sitting on my shelves, more than half of which I have never read, I succumb to the enticements of a book store. From leadership to spiritual matters to Civil War chronicles to biographies, I love books. (Now, I wish I could just gather the passion to finish reading the ones I own. Sigh!)
For the most part, my books remain untouched until I need some advice or direction in a certain area. For example, I generally read leadership books when I am in need of leadership advice. Sadly, this is a disadvantage to myself because I read with a mind focused on a specific answer. Usually this means I miss the thrust of the book. All in all, I am not looking to enter the hardship of the author sharing his principles. I am looking for the key that will unlock sanity and order in my situation…quickly!
As I read of Simon’s attempt to offer the Peter and John money for the power of the Holy Spirit, my heart was arrested with the thought of how often I attempt to ‘purchase’ wisdom and maturity in my walk with the Lord. If I knew today that I could buy a book that would fast-forward me through selfishness, pride, and inconsiderate ways, I would pay the money to get the end results of being a better husband. Unfortunately, there’s no book, seminar, recipe, or 12-step program I can buy, lease, or attend that will make me a better husband without my commitment to a transformational process.
When Simon offered Peter and John money for the power of the Holy Spirit, he was really wanting the by-products of a relationship with God without a commitment to His Son. In a way that was perhaps similar to his own rebuke by Christ (Mt. 16:23), Peter rebukes Simon for his gross misunderstanding of the Holy Spirit and His power. What Simon longed to buy was in actuality God’s free gift to those who are willing to commit to a relationship with Him.
Our discipleship is more than shortcuts garnered from the latest TV preacher, discipleship book, or study Bible. It is a life filled with God’s power and provision and marked by His free gift. If you’re looking for a life of power, honor, and integrity, it will not be bought. However, it is a free gift to those who are willing to commit to living for Christ.
Application
Have you ever sought to purchase ‘end results’? (e.g., diet books, marriage seminars, discipleship books, etc.)
When have you committed to the process of obtaining the desired ‘end results’ and witnessed its fruit?
Is there an area in your life right now that you are guilty of trying to ‘purchase’ without committing to the process?
Prayer
Father,
Forgive me for trying to live my life with so many shortcuts. It seems I am always looking for the ‘easy’ and ‘quick’ way to the life that others have had to achieve through endurance, perseverance, commitment, and faith. A life of spiritual power is not obtained with money, through books, or without sacrifice. Today, I commit to Your process of discipleship; living daily with the awareness that You are neither a respecter of persons nor an exactor of money. Rather, You are a gracious Father who freely extends an abundant life to all who will commit themselves to You.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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