God's Holy Fire: 'God's Holy Dwelling by the Spirit'

Saturday, November 5, 2022

Together, we are [God's] house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.
— Ephesians 2:20-22 NLT

Key Thought

In the readings for yesterday and today, we have been reminded that the church, God's family, is something precious and holy and sacred to God. God lives in us and among us through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. This passage today also goes a step or two beyond these basic truths. Paul reminds us that Christ Jesus is the basis and cornerstone of the foundation of our life together. God has carefully fitted us into his plan for his church. Through their teaching, the apostles and prophets are the foundation for this temple — for us as God's dwelling place. It is crucial that we share this journey "together"! We need each other. The Spirit works among us collectively. We cannot live out this role alone. No wonder Paul warns about certain attitudes and actions that destroy community because they "grieve the Holy Spirit of God" (Ephesians 4:29-32). So let's commit to working together to truly be a holy "dwelling where God lives by his Spirit."

Today's Prayer

O God, move among your people and give us a deep sense of our calling as your family, your community, your church, your dwelling place. Give us a true sense of being a part of your kingdom work in the world. Fill us and form us through the work of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, November 5, 2022

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Betrayed in the Place of Friends' (Jn. 18:1-3)
"After saying these things, Jesus crossed the Kidron Valley with his disciples and entered a grove of olive trees. Judas, the betrayer, knew this..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'No Concern for the Poor Hinders Prayer'
"Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your....."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by William Barclay:
"The tragedy of life and of the world is not that men do not know God; the tragedy is that, knowing Him, they still insist on going their own way."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Psalms 100:4
"Our Lord would have all his people rich in high and happy thoughts concerning his blessed person. Jesus is not content that his brethren should think...."

Illustration

Illustration of Ephesians 2:20-22 NLT — Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.

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