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..."
Baptized
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River."
Great Joy!
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"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.""
See All 10 Related Resources about Mark 1:9-11

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.'

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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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