God's Holy Fire: 'Under the Influence!'

Thursday, December 31, 2026

Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, ...
— Ephesians 5:17-18 NLT

Key Thought

Today we finish a year of devotionals helping us seek to live for God under the influence of his Holy Spirit. With so many pressures around us on this day and on this night, we could easily give our thoughts, behaviors, and words over to the destructive influence of alcohol or other substances or actions. Instead, let's remember our commitment to live "under the influence" of the Holy Spirit, asking him to bring God glory in what we think, do, and say!

Today's Prayer

O God, may the words of my mouth, the meditations of my heart, and the influence of my actions be shaped and influenced by the Holy Spirit. May I bring you glory and bring others a blessing as I close out this year. In Jesus' name, and to His glory, I pray. Amen.

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24 Related Resources by Heartlight

Living in the Spirit
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, Help me to be careful about how I live. May I behave not as an unwise person but as a wise one. Help me make the most of every..."
Under the Influence
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, ..."
Speaking in the Spirit
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, Help me speak to my spouse, my family, your church, and the world about you and your grace. Let my heart and my mouth overflow with the...."
Living in Wisdom
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, Fill me with your heavenly wisdom, which involves alertness to problems and opportunities, avoidance of addictions, fullness of your..."
See All 24 Related Resources about Ephesians 5:17-18

Illustration

Illustration of Ephesians 5:17-18 NLT — Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, ...

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, December 31, 2026

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Evening Thought: 1 Corinthians 1:30
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Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Find Strength in God to Overcome!' (Ps. 18:29-31)
"In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for....."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Greater Works!' (Jn. 14:12-14)
"[Jesus continued,] "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Your Messengers' (Ps. 104:1,)
"Let all that I am praise the Lord. O Lord my God, how great you are! ... The winds are your messengers, flames of fire are your servant."

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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