God's Holy Fire: 'Following an Old Pattern'

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Today is #GivingTuesday

We appreciate & depend on the generosity of people like you. Thank you!

 Thank You
In the days of Hagar and Sarah, the child who came from faithless connivance (Ishmael) harassed the child who came — empowered by the Spirit — from the faithful promise (Isaac). Isn't it clear that the harassment you are now experiencing from the Jerusalem heretics follows that old pattern?
— Galatians 4:29 MSG

Key Thought

Those who do not understand the way of the Spirit and who do not recognize the gift of the Spirit have criticized and sometimes even harassed those who live by the Spirit. This opposition was true in Paul's day. It can also be true in our day. However, the promised gift of the Holy Spirit doesn't come through law-keeping; rather, the Spirit is the gift of Jesus to those who believe in him and are baptized. It really is that simple!

Today's Prayer

O Father, thank you for the gift of your Spirit. I believe in Jesus, and I believe your promise to have Jesus send your Spirit to his followers. I thank you for this incredible gift, in the name of your Son. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of Galatians 4:29 MSG — Isn't it clear that the harassment you are now experiencing from the Jerusalem heretics follows that old pattern?

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, June 28, 2025

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Matthew 1:20-21
"But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Paul's Background' (Acts 26:4-8)
"[Paul continued his defense before the Roman governor, Festus, and Agrippa, who was the Roman-appointed king:] "As the Jewish leaders are well aware,..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'My Mother's Situation Proves Joseph's Faith'
"Dear Disciple, I know most of you hate tests! Some of those tests are medical tests which can be terrifying. Some tests are necessary to get you into..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Song of Songs 4:7
"The Lord's admiration of his Church is very wonderful, and his description of her beauty is very glowing. She is not merely fair, but "all fair." He....."

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