God's Holy Fire: 'Spirit Powered Ministry'

Thursday, July 9, 2026

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.
— Isaiah 61:1 NIV

Key Thought

God's servants in every era, including now, are empowered by the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit produces holy fruit in their lives (Galatians 5:22-23), shapes their hearts, and guides their efforts toward ministry that conforms to the heart of God: He sends them to bind up the broken, bring freedom to those in captivity, and proclaim release from darkness for those imprisoned. We can get an idea of the way we are yielding to the Spirit's leading when we see what resonates in our hearts and what our hands find to do as ministry!

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, make my heart yearn for what you long to happen. Guide my hands to do the work that you want to be done. Open my eyes to see those who need to receive your mercy. Move in me powerfully with your Spirit to conform me - heart, soul, mind, and strength - to your holy and compassionate will. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Isaiah 61:1-2a
Devo: Today's Verse
"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to..."
Proclaim It!
Illustration of Isaiah 61:1-2
Inspirational illustration of Isaiah 61:1-2 -- The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from
That He Might Be Glorified
Article by Donna Riggs
How can such a disaster be a time for glorifying God? Donna Riggs shares how God used a snow storm to prevent disaster for her church family.
When Your Heart is Breaking
Article by Tom Norvell
How can you mend a broken heart, especially when it's your own? Tom Norvell reminds us that broken hearts hurt and we often wish we could be dead, but that God stays close to us.
See All 5 Related Resources about Isaiah 61:1

Illustration

Illustration of Isaiah 61:1 NIV — He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, July 9, 2026

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 14:15
"A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by John Henry Newman:
"Life passes, riches fly away, popularity is fickle, the senses decay, the world changes. One alone is true to us; One alone can be all things to us; One alone....."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Do Whatever He Tells You!' (Jn. 2:5-8)
"But [Jesus'] mother told the servants [at a wedding celebration when the wine ran out], "Do whatever he tells you." Standing nearby were six..."

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