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

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: 2 Chronicles 31:21
"This is no unusual occurrence; it is the general rule of the moral universe that those men prosper who do their work with all their hearts, while..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'No Room for Boasting' (1 Co. 1:26-31)
"Dear Father, you of whom we boast, Why have you chosen the weak, the foolish, the despised? You have done this so that no human being can boast. And...."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by G. C. Lichtenberg:
"Never undertake anything for which you wouldn't have the courage to ask the blessing of heaven."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'The Power Behind the Witnesses' (Acts 5:30-32)
"[Continuing before the high council which was threatening him, Peter said,] "The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him...."

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