God's Holy Fire: 'Pride of God's Life!'

Thursday, March 12, 2026

[When John the Baptizer was proclaiming the coming of Jesus], Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. The moment he came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God's Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him. Along with the Spirit, a voice: "You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life."
— Mark 1:9-11 MSG

Key Thought

I hope you can look back on your baptism and remember it as a precious and powerful moment. What great joy to know that:
  1. We can share in an event similar to one Jesus experienced.
  2. God's Spirit came to us in that event to cleanse us and live in us.
  3. The Father says a similar thing about us that he said about Jesus.
  4. We are chosen and marked by his love.
What sweet grace!

Today's Prayer

O God, my righteous Father in heaven, you are holy - nothing compares to you. I pray that your rule over my life will increase and the Holy Spirit will increasingly influence my heart and my thinking. May my life be a holy praise to you! In Jesus' name, I ask this. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

10 Related Resources by Heartlight

Dear Loved by God
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens..."
Baptized
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River."
Great Joy!
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"And a voice from heaven said [to Jesus following his baptism], "You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.""
Mark 1:11
Devo: Today's Verse
"And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.""
See All 10 Related Resources about Mark 1:9-11

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 1:9-11 MSG — "You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, March 12, 2026

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
"Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'He Gives Breath to Everyone' (Is. 42:5)
"God, the Lord, created the heavens and stretched them out. He created the earth and everything in it. He gives breath to everyone, life to everyone..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Thomas à Kempis:
"The noble love of Jesus impels a man to do great things, and stirs him up to be always longing for what is more perfect."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Slow Search for Truth' (Jn. 7:50-51)
"Then Nicodemus, the leader who had met with Jesus earlier, spoke up [when the leading priests and Pharisees belittled having faith in Jesus]. "Is it....."

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