Acts 5: 1-11 Ananias, with his wife Sapphira -Shall a man rob God?

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,  and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet.  But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land?  While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”  And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it.  The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him.

 Now there elapsed an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.  And Peter responded to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?” And she said, “Yes, that was the price.”  Then Peter said to her, “Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well.”  And immediately she fell at his feet and breathed her last, and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.  And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard of these things.

Ananias and his wife prove that  it is not what you give to God, but the intentions of your heart in the gift.
Ananias and Sapphira wanted to be important like other givers, but they had greed hidden in their heart.
They felt if they sold a piece of land and brought a portion of the profit and hold back something for themselves that they would be honored before men.  But Peter, a disciple of Jesus Christ told them that it is better not to give than give a portion and call it the whole thing.  He calls this lying to the Holy Spirit and it cost them their lives, and the people feared God.

Daily Prayer:  Lord Jesus, Solomon said that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.  While You are my Savior and friend, create a healthy fear in my as You are not only the Son of Man, but the Son of God.  In Your holy name I pray Amen.