God's Holy Fire: 'Spirit Directed'

Thursday, September 24, 2026

The Spirit told Philip, "Climb into the chariot."
— Acts 8:29 MSG

Key Thought

I am not sure that I have ever heard a command uttered this clearly by the Spirit of God. But I do know, however, that the Spirit has led me to deep conviction about sin in my life and given me answers to questions about what I should do and where I should go, as well as given me warning about danger and given me assurance when I was uncertain and afraid. I fear that we often do not recognize the Spirit's leading in our lives. Sometimes this is because we don't expect the Spirit's guidance. Often, it's because we don't ask the Spirit to lead us. Even when we do recognize the Spirit's leading, sometimes we still don't obey his guidance. The Spirit can speak to us through the Spirit-inspired Scriptures, through godly friends, through the words of songs and hymns, and through our consciences, a well-timed note, an unexpected email, or loving call from a brother or sister in Christ. There is no question that the Spirit leads us. The questions are whether or not we are listening, and if we are listening, whether we will faithfully follow the Spirit's direction.

Today's Prayer

O Abba Father, help me hear your voice and know your will for my life. Even more, dear Father, convict me through the influence of the Holy Spirit in my life and give me the courage to live out those convictions for your glory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Guided to Mission
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot [carrying an Ethiopian official] and stay near it.""
The A.S.K. Principle Still Applies
Devo: Unstoppable!
"As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, "Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza." So he started out, and he met the...."
Jesus' Ministry Roadmap
Devo: Unstoppable!
"The Holy Spirit said to Philip, "Go over and walk along beside the carriage [of the treasurer of Ethiopia]." Philip ran over and heard the man..."
Servants to the Nations
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Friend, Two powerful themes from the Bible converge in this one story in today's Scripture about Philip and the Ethiopian dignitary:After My..."
See All 5 Related Resources about Acts 8:29

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 8:29 MSG — The Spirit told Philip, "Climb into the chariot."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, September 24, 2026

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'The Good Shepherd'
"Dear Precious One, Few passages of Scripture were more beloved in My time on earth than the twenty-third Psalm. Like in your day, many found great..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Getting to the Heart of the Matter' (Jn. 4:16-18)
""Go and get your husband," Jesus told [the woman at Jacob's well]. "I don't have a husband," the woman replied. Jesus said, "You're right! You..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'A Movement of Compassion and Testimony'
"All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'According to His Mercy' (Is. 63:7)
"I will tell of the Lord's unfailing love. I will praise the Lord for all he has done. I will rejoice in his great goodness to Israel, which he has..."

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