Wordfortheweek Week 40 #Transformed

Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. Acts 8:13 NKJV

Heaven rejoices when a sinner receives Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Giving my life to Christ was both joyful and scary. I knew it was the beginning of a life I do not know, one with such high standard that no one could ever live it without the help of the Holy Spirit.

Now, about fifteen years down the line by the grace of Yeshua, I looked back and realise that Christianity is a journey and not a single event.

When Simon, a sorcerer believed in the message of the gospel and was baptised, there would have been rejoicing, testimonies and thanksgiving. This man became fervent, he followed Phillip all over the place, the chief protocol officer. People would have looked to him as the example of a life changed.

But was his life actually transformed?

Simon saw the power of the Holy Spirit fell upon the new believers by the laying of hands, and he was amazed. He wanted some of that power. And this was how the state of his heart became exposed. He saw that it was through the laying on of the apostles’ hands that the Holy Spirit was given. He thought in error that he could bribe Peter by offering money to get this power so that he too could lay hands on people to receive the Holy Spirit.

Simon honoured the Lord with his lips but his heart was far from him. He believed the Lordship of Jesus but he had no understanding of the way of Yeshua. Because there was no genuine repentance from his selfish, power-hungry nature. He was attracted by the miracles, signs and wonder, rather than the giver of these things. His heart was not yet transformed by the light of the gospel.

He was seeking power not the giver of the power.

Believing in Yeshua and getting baptised is not the beginning and the end of your salvation. The beginning is a heart of genuine repentance and letting go of all your old ways. This starts with the decision you make to become a new creation in Yeshua Jesus. Then taking that step to transform your heart and mind through the study and meditation on the word of Elohim. 

Test your heart to know whether you are a new creation in Yeshua or faking it like Simon the sorcerer.

#Prayerfortheweek

Almighty Father, thank You for the gift of my salvation. Create in me a pure heart, O God. Renew a steadfast spirit within me. Grant me a willing spirit to be transformed into the image of my Saviour Yeshua Christ Jesus by whose name I pray. Amen.

I pray that this inspire you to reflect on your relationship with Elohim and be determined to be more and do more for Him each day. 

#AdeolaAkintoye©

#ajourneytospiritualmaturity2020