God's Holy Fire: 'To Whom Are We Listening?'

Tuesday, December 8, 2026

But we come from God and belong to God. Anyone who knows God understands us and listens. The person who has nothing to do with God will, of course, not listen to us. This is another test for telling the Spirit of Truth from the spirit of deception.
— 1 John 4:6 MSG

Key Thought

How do you know the people who have the true Spirit of God? John reminds us that they are the ones who listen to the Spirit's authoritative messengers. Why do we trust the Scriptures? Because they are: When anyone claiming to speak by the power of the Holy Spirit brings a message that conflicts with the original proclaimers of the truth, that person is not speaking the truth and is not being led by the Holy Spirit but by the spirit of deception.

Today's Prayer

O Lord God, please use your Holy Spirit to guide me into all truth so that I will recognize when others do not speak your truth. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Belonging to God
Devo: Together in Christ
"But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people [who deny that Jesus came in the flesh from God], because..."
The Foundation
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, The foundation for everything you hold dear as a Christian and as My disciple is this one fundamental truth: I came as God, in human....."
He Knows My Name!
Article by Phil Ware
Does He really speak to people today? Phil Ware shares insights on Jesus calling Mary by name and speaking to us today.

Illustration

Illustration of 1 John 4:6 MSG — This is another test for telling the Spirit of Truth from the spirit of deception.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, December 8, 2026

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'The Only Way for All'
"Dear Believer, No one can rightfully boast about being more righteous than others. No one can rightfully claim to be righteous because of the..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Nothing is Too Hard for You!' (Je. 32:17)
"O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!"
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Only Out of Love' (Ti. 1:11-14)
"Dear Father, Help me never to teach or serve in your kingdom for selfish gain. May I live and do good out of pure love for you. Help me to stay away...."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Escape from Darkness' (Jn. 12:46)
"[Jesus continued,] "I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.""

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