Acts 5:3
“But Peter said, “Ananias, 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?”
The devil made me do it is a lie from the father of lies. Ananias has to take responsibility for his own actions here. Instead of being filled by the Spirit, which apparently he already had dwelling in his heart, he chooses self, and to follow his selfish nature after being tempted to lie by the father of lies. Satan did not fill his heart, but Ananias was controlled by Satan, rather than being filled by the Spirit of God.
Resisting Satan
Is to Submit to God
When we submit to God, at the same time we resist Satan, and he flees from us. The way we stop pride, self and the love of money from possessing us, is to submit to God, God’s Word and God’s people. Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle that fits them all. Father God, help me to submit to You, Your love and Your leadership in every corner of my life. Control all my heart, all my soul, all my mind and all my strength today, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
ACTION: Fill my heart with Truth