God's Holy Fire: 'Proof They Belong'

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

When Paul placed his hands on [the people he had just baptized], the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
— Acts 19:6 NIV

Key Thought

The Holy Spirit is a vital part of our conversion and a crucial part of our daily walk with God and our transformation into the character and compassion of Christ. Paul's teaching and the work of the Holy Spirit in today's verse make clear that God has now fully included this group of people - disciples who had known only the baptism of John and who did not know about the Holy Spirit. Knowing about Jesus, however, wasn't enough. They also needed to know about the Holy Spirit and receive the Spirit. When Paul lays his hands on them, it is clear to everyone that they received the Spirit. They are now true followers of Jesus!

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, thank you for the powerful story of the Holy Spirit breaking down every barrier to include all sorts of people in Jesus' family of grace. I am also thankful to be included in this family of grace, and I thank and praise you for the gift of the Spirit that connects me to every follower of Jesus. I thank you and praise you, in Jesus' name. Amen.

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Devo: God's Holy Fire
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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 19:6 NIV — When Paul placed his hands on [the people he had just baptized], the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Passion for Praise
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'He Will Give Them Rest' (Je. 50:34)
"The one who redeems them is strong. his name is the Lord of Heaven's Armies. He will defend them and give them rest."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'The Real Benefit' (Jn. 12:27-30)
"[About his upcoming crucifixion, Jesus continued,] "Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, 'Father, save me from this hour'? But this is the....."
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A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
James 1:12
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love..."
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'Various Groups Come Together' (Acts 17:4)
"Some of the Jews who listened [to Paul's proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah] were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with many God-fearing...."

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.

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