God's Holy Fire: 'Spirit-Guided'

Monday, September 25, 2023

Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there.
— Acts 16:6-7 NLT

Key Thought

Part of being guided by the Spirit involves the Spirit preventing us from mistakes in place and timing. I have prayed, and heard others pray, "Lord, please defeat us when we are wrong." Unfortunately, I cannot remember anyone praying specifically, "Holy Spirit, prevent us from a mistake of timing or of being in the wrong place when we need to be elsewhere." I don't know about you, but after years of trying to honor God in spreading the good impact of the kingdom, I am convicted that I need to pray this second prayer more frequently!

Today's Prayer

O Holy Spirit, God who is present within me, help me to know your will. Help me discern your timing. Guide me to the places where I can be most useful to you at the time that is most advantageous to grow your kingdom, to bless your children, and to reach the lost. O Holy Spirit, please guide my life's direction and prevent me from mistakes of timing, sensitivity, and place. Protect me in those moments when I miss where you want me to be. Please gently humble me and put me back on the right road — the path that is in concert with your timing and purpose. To you be glory in the church and in my life. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 16:6-7 NLT — Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there.

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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