God's Holy Fire: 'Confirmed'

Saturday, June 12, 2021

[Peter, addressing the apostles and elders at the Council in Jerusalem:] "God knows people's hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us."
— Acts 15:8 NLT

Key Thought

These words come from Peter's defense for taking the good news of Jesus to Gentiles — Cornelius and his household (Acts 10:1-48). From the moment that the Holy Spirit came upon Cornelius and the other believers in his household, Peter and his companions were convicted that God had shown he approved of their conversion (Acts 10:44-48; Acts 11:15-18). The Holy Spirit is God's way of showing that we are part of his family (Romans 8:9). The unity, the bond, the family connection that we share is precious and to be rigorously protected (Ephesians 4:3). The Spirit is our assurance that we belong to God and are family with each other!

Today's Prayer

O Father, tear down the walls that keep your children apart. Thank you for confirming by the presence of the Holy Spirit within me that I am your child. May I deeply value each of your children, my brothers and sisters, for whom Christ died and in whom the Holy Spirit lives. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, June 12, 2021

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'The Holy Spirit Includes Gentiles'
"Even as Peter was saying these things [to Cornelius and the others with him about salvation in Jesus], the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Harvest of Righteousness' (2 Co. 9:9-10)
"Dear Father, righteous and gracious God, You are the God about whom it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor, his righteousness..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'No Middle Ground' (Mt. 12:30)
"[Jesus continued:] "Anyone who isn't with me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me.""
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Verdell Davis:
"Sometimes God sends the brilliant light of a rainbow to remind us of His presence, lest we forget in our personal darkness His great and gracious promises to..."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 15:8 NLT — [Peter, addressing the apostles and elders at the Council in Jerusalem:] "God knows people's hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us."

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