God's Holy Fire: 'God's Instruction'

Monday, September 14, 2026

Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.
— 1 Thessalonians 4:8 NIV

Key Thought

Scripture is not a collection of nice sayings left for us to ponder and do with them as we wish. It claims to be the message from God shared through human beings and inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is not meant for our entertainment or even solely for our gaining knowledge about God. Instead, God's instruction in Scripture is meant to enter our hearts, change our lives, and conform us to the will of the Father as we are led by the Holy Spirit.

Today's Prayer

O Father, as I seek to honor you in every area of my life, have the Holy Spirit gently and completely bend my heart, words, thoughts, and behaviors to your will. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

14 Related Resources by Heartlight

1 Thessalonians 4:7-8
Devo: Today's Verse
"For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy..."
Called to Holy Relationships
Devo: Together in Christ
"God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human teaching but is...."
God's Gracious Supply
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human teaching but is rejecting....."
Taught by God to Love
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by [Paul's instructions] is not disobeying human teaching but is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. But we....."
See All 14 Related Resources about 1 Thessalonians 4:8

Illustration

Illustration of 1 Thessalonians 4:8 NIV — Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, September 14, 2026

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Helping Churches on the Brink'
"Dear Beloved, On Paul's last visit with the Ephesian elders, he warned them:Here are my instructions: diligently guard yourselves, and diligently..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Isaiah 40:11
"Our good Shepherd has in his flock a variety of experiences, some are strong in the Lord, and others are weak in faith, but he is impartial in his..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'The Dark Night before Dawn' (Jn. 16:16-22)
"[Jesus continued,] "In a little while you won't see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again." Some of the disciples asked..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Hebrews 13:3
"Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."

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.

More God's Holy Fire

Translations