DCLM Daily Manna 2026: DCLM Daily Manna 22 January 2026: Just a Thought
Text: Acts 8:14–24 (KJV)
Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! 21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”
24 Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.”
KEY VERSE: Acts 8:22
“Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.”
In 2008, the world was plunged into a devastating financial crisis that wiped out businesses, homes, and life savings. What caused it? A thought—greed cleverly disguised as innovation. Banks and investors convinced themselves that manipulating mortgage lending could generate endless profit. That single corrupt idea triggered reckless decisions that collapsed economies worldwide.
Simon the Sorcerer was also undone by a thought. For a long time, he had amazed the people of Samaria with magic and enjoyed their admiration. However, when Philip preached Christ, Simon believed, was baptised, and followed him, astonished by the genuine power of God.
When Peter and John arrived and laid hands on believers to receive the Holy Ghost, Simon’s hidden motive surfaced. He offered money, saying, “Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.”
Peter’s response was stern and uncompromising: “Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.” The problem was not merely Simon’s words but the corrupt thought behind them.
He hoped to commercialise the power of God for personal gain. Peter pressed further: “Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.”
Pause and reflect: if you were a pastor or church leader in Peter’s position, how would you respond? Would you pray hypocritically for Simon’s baptism in the Holy Spirit and later advise him to “honour God with his substance” or “appreciate the man of God”? Peter chose righteousness over convenience.
No sin begins with an action—it always starts with a thought. Judas imagined betrayal before he acted. Ananias and Sapphira conceived deception before they lied. David’s fall with Bathsheba began with a look that matured into desire, then sin, and finally painful consequences. Jesus warned that evil thoughts are the roots of murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, and blasphemy.
Are you harbouring dangerous thoughts—subtle pride, secret jealousy, hidden bitterness, or concealed lust? Deal with them now. Kill the thought before it kills you. Repent, make peace with God, and allow His grace to cleanse you and His word to guide your life.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Watch your thoughts: your actions depend on them.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Daily Manna 22 January 2026
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