God's Holy Fire: 'Use Them'

Monday, September 21, 2026

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
— Romans 12:6-8 NIV

Key Thought

"Just do it!"® Long before Nike adopted this expression as its slogan, Paul commanded it to the Romans. God has gifted us - each of us. We are not judged by the KIND of gifts that we have received, but on whether and how we USE the gifts we have received. So no matter what our gifts may be, Paul simply says, "Use them!"

Today's Prayer

O Father, I confess that Satan makes me feel less than others because I sometimes believe his lies. Rather than diligently using the gifts that you have given me, I sometimes waste time wishing that I were better at using my gifts or that I had other gifts. I am convicted by Paul's words today. I know I need to use the gifts you have given me. So please, Holy Spirit, give me the confidence to know my gifts so that I can use them effectively to your glory. In Jesus' name, I ask for this grace. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

10 Related Resources by Heartlight

Need for Interdependence
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, who wills our interdependence, Help me not to think more highly of myself than I ought to think, but to think with sober judgment,..."
Value of Interdependence
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, who wills our interdependence, Having gifts that differ, let us use them appropriately according to your will. If prophesy, in..."
If You're Not Sure of Your Part
Article by Alan Smith
How do you find your part? Alan Smith talks about a junior high music teacher whose students didn't play.
Discovering the Character of Your Church: Values & Integrity
Article by Greg Anderson
How do we handle our values with integrity in the life of our congregation? Greg Anderson reminds us why values are so important and how we must live out of our values with integrity.
See All 10 Related Resources about Romans 12:6-8

Illustration

Illustration of Romans 12:6-8 NIV —

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, September 21, 2026

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Jeremiah 23:24
""Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?" declares the Lord. "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the Lord."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Who Was I to Stand in God's Way?' (Acts 11:15-17)
"[Peter explained why he baptized Cornelius and those with him:] "The Holy Spirit fell on them... Then I thought of the Lord's words when he said,..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God’s Blessings Protect, Sustain, and Guard You'
"The Lord bless you, and keep you [protect you, sustain you, and guard you]; The Lord make His face shine upon you [with favor], and be gracious to you..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Never Die!' (Jn. 8:51)
"[Addressing the people in the Temple, Jesus continued,] "I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!""

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