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

Saturday, June 28, 2025

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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.

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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?

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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.

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Translations