04/27/2026
Lift #782
Good morning!
Prayer: Lord teach us today about your promise of the Holy Spirit. Show me the truth you gave, to John the Baptist, then to your disciples, and millions now in the past. Now, show me about this third person of the Godhead. Teach me about the “fire” He is capable of giving us. In Jesus name, Amen.
I often read about John the Baptist. He was the forerunner to the arrival of Jesus. He was the prophet that dressed funny, ate lots of grasshoppers, and loudly announced the coming of Jesus, the Messiah. He led many into the water and baptized them in the Jordan river, submerging them,and preaching the importance of repentance. All of us have probably heard some version of this story. He was a cousin to Jesus.
Acronym for today: F.I.R.E.
As I was reading, I noticed something we sometimes pass over, in his last 10 words of this scripture. He says fire is coming, from one called the Holy Spirit. Not only that, but Jesus will submerge you, baptize you, in that fire.
Matthew 3:11 “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to latch: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:”
Luke 3:16 uses the same term.
Luke 3:16 “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire”
It is spoken of only a few times in the Bible.
Those words to the average listener or reader, may sound scary and painful. We all have had experience with campfires, hot stoves and some even forest fires. They bring images of burns, extreme heat,devastation, and some of us may have a scar or two. When we picture being submerged in fire, that sounds really terrifying.
But, we know that is not what is spoken of here. The fire spoken here is something that Jesus sends in the person of the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit is actually the “third person” of what we call our God. Father,The Son, Jesus, and Holy Spirit. God is Father,Jesus, His Son is the living Word, who spoke all the world, everything, into existence. He holds everything in place by the power of His Word.
Hebrews 1:3 “who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, “
So the Holy Spirit is sent here for us. What is this fire? It is His presence, that sets our hearts “On Fire” for God, and His Son. It is that power that increases our desire to live and serve God.
However, that is only the first step, the beginning place, with God. Holy Spirit makes the Word of God come alive in our hearts and minds. He gives us understanding, called revelations, of Himself, the Word of God,, and many things about Jesus, and the Father.
This is what really stopped me when I read those last ten words in Matthew and Luke. John the Baptist, was given a prophetic revelation about Jesus, before anyone else talked about it. It was about a baptism of fire, that purges sin and empowers us to live for God. Yes, John was a prophet that revealed the power Jesus carried, and would soon provide for us. He spoke it before Jesus' ministry ever began. Amazing stuff!
Acronym answer: F.I.R.E.= Found In Real Experience
Let me finish by saying this.The Holy Spirit, and the fire He brings us, feels like a warm soothing oil. He is that gentle, real, and soothing. It is not painful, but quite the opposite. Yet, inside there will be a new desire for God, and all He has for us. He gives us power, to pray, preach, see healings, and miracles. He shows us truths, like He did John, about Jesus, still today.
Here is one last example I have used before. We are the “glove” that Holy Spirit puts His hand in. Think about that. A glove can only work when the owner's hand is inside of it. Yet, when we wear a glove, it increases our holding power, and protects our hand from injury. It is a combination of the two, that makes the glove so important. What is inside, powers the outside and accomplishes work and purpose. The glove can handle the heat, and cold, when it is worn correctly.
He is only found in seeking Him with your whole heart. His power is amazing, and His comfort is like no peace you have ever felt.
Our Comforter, the Holy Spirit!
Have a great day! Terry T.
