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

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.

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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.