God's Holy Fire: 'Jesus' Parting Gift'

Friday, August 21, 2026

[Jesus said,] "I'm telling you these things while I'm still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left — feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught."
— John 14:25-27 MSG

Key Thought

I hate goodbyes, especially when I don't know if I will ever again see the people with whom I'm saying, "Goodbye!" This summer has been filled with such goodbyes, and I'm trying not to let them be final. Jesus makes clear that as he leaves his closest followers, he is not abandoning them. He is sending the Friend, the Holy Spirit, to be with them. His presence is their source of peace! He is Comforter, Counselor, Helper, and Friend. The Spirit will be with them and bring them into the Lord's presence whole and holy. The Spirit will help them remember, and even remind them of, Jesus' teachings and help make those teachings plain. And I believe with all my heart that these same promises are given to us, we who have been invited to hear Jesus' last extended conversation with the early disciples!

Today's Prayer

O Father, thank you for your plan to incarnate yourself among us in Jesus and then to incarnate yourself within us in the Holy Spirit, our Comforter, Counselor, Helper, and Friend. I praise you, O God - Father, Son, and Spirit - in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

19 Related Resources by Heartlight

Don't Be Troubled or Afraid
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"[Jesus said,] "I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative — that is, the..."
Two Great Blessings for Knowing Jesus' Will
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[Jesus continued,] "Anyone who doesn't love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who....."
The Paraclete
Article by Max Lucado
The Spirit is a person. And Jesus calls him the Paraclete. Max Lucado reminds us of the Holy Spirit living in us based on Jesus' promise and Jesus' special name for the Spirit, the Paraclete
Our Great Reminder
Devo: Together in Christ
"[Jesus promised His disciples,] "But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative — that is, the Holy Spirit — he will teach you everything..."
See All 19 Related Resources about John 14:25-27

Illustration

Illustration of John 14:25-27 MSG — "I'm telling you these things while I'm still living with you."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, August 21, 2026

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God’s Generous Provision' (Ph. 4:18-19)
"I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Our Fortress' (Ps. 46:11)
"The Lord of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 1:8
"Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Opening Hearts to Jesus' Mission' (Acts 10:9-13)
"The next day as Cornelius's messengers were nearing [Joppa], Peter went up on the flat roof to pray. It was about noon, and he was hungry. But while...."

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