God's Holy Fire: 'Receive the Spirit'

Saturday, August 27, 2022

Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of anyone, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."
— John 20:21-23 NIV

Key Thought

After Jesus' resurrection, he reminds his closest followers of three gifts he is leaving with them, all of which find their origin and functional power in the presence of the Holy Spirit. The gifts are peace through the Spirit's presence, purpose in mission, and power to forgive. As we look at the power of the Holy Spirit, which of these gifts are you not living out in your daily life? Why not take advantage of all three?! Make a specific commitment to live out the Spirit's work in your life by making sure you take advantage of each of these gifts in all that you do!

Today's Prayer

Father, forgive me, and forgive us your people; empower us to be a community of grace where your Spirit brings peace, sends us out on mission, and uses us to bring forgiveness and reconciliation. As we do these things, O God, I know we are living out the life of Jesus in our world. It is in his name that I pray. Amen.

Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, August 27, 2022

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Isaiah 26:3
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Jesus Is the Messiah' (Acts 17:1-3)
"Paul and Silas then traveled through the towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As was..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Francois Fenelon:
"Those who are wholly God's are always happy."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Psalms 31:5
"These words have been frequently used by holy men in their hour of departure. We may profitably consider them this evening. The object of the faithful..."

Illustration

Illustration of John 20:21-23 NIV — "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."

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