[###, addressing the apostles and elders at the Council in ###:] "God knows people's hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us."
—Acts 15:8 NLT
These words come from ###'s defense for taking the good news of Jesus to Gentiles — ### and his household (Acts 10:1-48). From the moment that the Holy Spirit came upon ### and the other believers in his household, ### and his companions were convicted that God had shown he approved of their conversion (Acts 10:44-48; Acts 11:15-18). The Holy Spirit is God's way of showing that we are part of his family (Romans 8:9). The unity, the bond, the family connection that we share is precious and to be rigorously protected (Ephesians 4:3). The Spirit is our assurance that we belong to God and are family with each other!
O Father, tear down the walls that keep your children apart. Thank you for confirming by the presence of the Holy Spirit within me that I am your child. May I deeply value each of your children, my brothers and sisters, for whom Christ died and in whom the Holy Spirit lives. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 ###, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by ###. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by ###, Inc.™ Used by permission of ###. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by ###. Used by permission of ###. All rights reserved. Represented by ###, Inc.
Continue reading...
—Acts 15:8 NLT
Key Thought
These words come from ###'s defense for taking the good news of Jesus to Gentiles — ### and his household (Acts 10:1-48). From the moment that the Holy Spirit came upon ### and the other believers in his household, ### and his companions were convicted that God had shown he approved of their conversion (Acts 10:44-48; Acts 11:15-18). The Holy Spirit is God's way of showing that we are part of his family (Romans 8:9). The unity, the bond, the family connection that we share is precious and to be rigorously protected (Ephesians 4:3). The Spirit is our assurance that we belong to God and are family with each other!
Today's Prayer
O Father, tear down the walls that keep your children apart. Thank you for confirming by the presence of the Holy Spirit within me that I am your child. May I deeply value each of your children, my brothers and sisters, for whom Christ died and in whom the Holy Spirit lives. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 ###, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by ###. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by ###, Inc.™ Used by permission of ###. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by ###. Used by permission of ###. All rights reserved. Represented by ###, Inc.
Continue reading...
