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

Saturday, June 28, 2025

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

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Paul Declared Innocent' (Acts 26:30-31)
"Then [King Agrippa, the Roman governor Festus], Bernice, and all the others stood and left. As they went out, they talked it over and agreed, "This....."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: 1 Thessalonians 4:17
"Even the sweetest visits from Christ, how short they are-and how transitory! One moment our eyes see him, and we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Max Lucado:
"You are valuable because you exist. Not because of what you do or what you have done, but simply because you are."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Hebrews 13:17
"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a..."

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