Spiritual Warfare: 'Dear Loved by God'

God's Power for Our Battles — Friday, April 24, 2026

One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, 'You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.'
— Mark 1:9-11 NLT

Today's Prayer

Lord, I know that John witnessed Your Spirit descend onto Jesus when He was baptized, and he even heard Your voice from heaven acknowledging Jesus as Your Son. Yet when life got tough for John and he was imprisoned by King Herod, John sent his disciples to ask Jesus if He was the one. So John doubted Jesus when the circumstances of life didn't match what he expected to happen. I confess that I've done the same thing, doubting You when problems come my way. Forgive me, and help me to have more faithful trust in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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10 Related Resources by Heartlight

Pride of God's Life!
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"[When John the Baptizer was proclaiming the coming of Jesus], Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. The moment he came out..."
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"One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River."
Great Joy!
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"And a voice from heaven said [to Jesus following his baptism], "You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.""
Mark 1:11
Devo: Today's Verse
"And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.""
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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 1:9-11 NLT — One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, 'You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.'

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, April 24, 2026

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Giving His Spirit' (Ga. 3:5)
"So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?"
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Never Die!' (Jn. 8:51)
"[Addressing the people in the Temple, Jesus continued,] "I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!""
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Who Was I to Stand in God's Way?' (Acts 11:15-17)
"[Peter explained why he baptized Cornelius and those with him:] "The Holy Spirit fell on them... Then I thought of the Lord's words when he said,..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Matthew 18:4
"Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

About This Devotional

Spiritual Warfare is a daily devotional about God's power for our battles.

The Prayer for Spiritual Warfare is written by Steve Hemphill.

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