God's Holy Fire: 'It Is Better that I Leave'

Sunday, August 23, 2026

[Jesus said,] "So let me say it again, this truth: It's better for you that I leave. If I don't leave, the Friend won't come. But if I go, I'll send him to you."
— John 16:7 MSG

Key Thought

Many of us have often longed to have been alive and seen Jesus as he ministered and taught while on earth. Yet Jesus is emphatic: It is better for us that he has gone to the Father and sent the Holy Spirit as our Friend and Guide. We have Jesus' life and teachings to guide us into God's truth for us. But, we also have the Spirit of Truth, the Friend that Jesus has sent, to confirm his message, guide us into the truth about that message, and help us remember and understand the things Jesus did and taught, as well as empower us to live for Jesus. So yes, it is better that he has gone to prepare a place for us (John 14:2-3) and sent the Spirit to be within us until we go home to him!

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, thank you for the Spirit who is your Presence in me and your Friend for me as I seek to live for Jesus and share your grace with a lost and broken world. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of John 16:7 MSG — [Jesus said,] "So let me say it again, this truth: It's better for you that I leave. If I don't leave, the Friend won't come. But if I go, I'll send him to you."

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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.

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