God's Holy Fire: 'The Affirmation of His Spirit'

Friday, March 13, 2026

God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge — a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete.
— 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 MSG

Key Thought

The test of genuine disciples and true followers of Jesus is the presence of the Holy Spirit living in them. The Spirit transforms Jesus' followers to become like him (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Spirit helps produce the fruit of Jesus' character and compassion in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23). Now, in today's verses, we are reminded that the Holy Spirit is God's pledge to show we belong to him, that he claims us, and that we are his by something much greater than blood relationship - we are God's children through the Holy Spirit. He will complete the work he has begun in us, bringing us to himself in glorious joy (Philippians 1:6). The Holy Spirit is our guarantee, our assurance, that this promise is true and that we are God's!

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you that the presence of the Holy Spirit in me is the proof that you claim me as your own. Make me aware of the Spirit's presence. Help me yield to the Spirit's influence. Please know my deep joy at having the assurance of my relationship with you living inside me in your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, I offer my thanks and praise. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Christ, Our Seal of Approval
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, Thank you, my God, that you utter Yes to me. You establish and affirm my very being through Christ, and not only me but all your elect....."
God's Eternal Pledge
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God's Yes and our Yes together,..."
Promises! Promises?
Article by James Nored & Phil Ware
Is God good enough and big enough to make all of his great promises come true? James Nored and Phil Ware remind us that God keeps his promises and Jesus is the ultimate proof that God's promises can be trusted!

Illustration

Illustration of 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 MSG — God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge — a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, March 13, 2026

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Dwight Moody:
"I have had more trouble with myself than with any other man I have ever met."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Luke 15:2
"Observe the condescension of this fact. This Man, who towers above all other men, holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners-this Man..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'At the Same Time' (Je. 23:23-24)
""Am I a God who is only close at hand?" says the Lord. "No, I am far away at the same time. Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Be a Living and Holy Sacrifice'
"Dear Beloved, Paul spent the first two-thirds of his letter to the Roman Christians explaining the principle of salvation by grace through faith. In...."

About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

More God's Holy Fire

Translations