Power or Presence- 05/10/2026

Imagine a man who once amazed crowds with his magic. He could curse or bless. People called him “the power of God.” Then the real power showed up: Philip came preaching Christ; miracles were breaking out; the sick were healed; and the oppressed were set free. Even the magician believed, was baptized, and hung around the move of God. But when Peter and John arrived, and the Holy Spirit fell with visible power, something in the man’s heart was exposed. He didn’t want a relationship with God. He wanted the ability to control God’s power for his own gain.

This is the story of Simon the magician in Acts 8. Today, we ask a penetrating question that confronts every believer: Are we chasing power or presence? We seek power, but our souls long for the presence that unites us with God and gives us peace.