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

Sunday, June 28, 2026

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 Sunday, June 28, 2026

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 20:22
"Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: John 19:16
"He had been all night in agony, he had spent the early morning at the hall of Caiaphas, he had been hurried from Caiaphas to Pilate, from Pilate to..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'God of Preservation' (Acts 7:11-16)
"[As Stephen continued his defense, he pointed to God's faithfulness through Joseph:] "But a famine came upon Egypt and Canaan. There was great misery,..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Hebrews 12:2
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the....."

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