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

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Awakening Paul to Jesus' Call on His Life'
"[As Paul recounted his conversion to Jesus as Messiah and Lord, he shared these words:] "Then [Ananias] told me, 'The God of our ancestors has chosen..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: John 6:67
"Many have forsaken Christ, and have walked no more with him; but what reason have YOU to make a change? Has there been any reason for it in the past?...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Will Help You Escape' (Ps. 124:6-8)
"Thank the Lord, who did not let them sink their teeth into us. We escaped like a bird caught in a hunter’s trap. The trap was broken, and we escaped....."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Edward Bedore:
"The knowledge of Christ's love for us should cause us to love Him in such a way that it is demonstrated in our attitude, conduct, and commitment to serve God......"

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