Opening the Gates of Heaven Perry Stone

Peter money to purchase the gift so he could lay hands upon people to receive the Holy Spirit, Peter did not yell, “Wow—the wealth of the wicked is laid up for the righteous! Bring your offering, Brother Simon, and I will lay hands on you!” Peter locked his righteous eyes on this magician and yelled, “Your money perish with you,” and told the town’s occult leader that his heart was not right with God (Acts 8:20–23). W HEN THE G IVING F AILS Did the promise of God fail the person who gave, or was the motive for giving pure and based upon the Word? When someone gives without the inspiration and love behind the gift, then he or she cannot expect a return from what was planted, especially if the giving was more hype than right . At times the giver actually gave to a man and not to God . The Lord blesses what is given if it is given with the right motive, a pure heart, and in obedience to the Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Here are some questions to ask: • Am I giving to get and not to be a blessing to the kingdom of God? • Am I giving to a self-acclaimed prophet and not to a God-ordained ministry? • Am I giving with unrighteousness in my heart?