God's Holy Fire: 'Spirit-Guided'

Friday, September 25, 2026

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.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Stop Signs!
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"[Paul and his companions on the second missionary journey] went to Phrygia, and then on through the region of Galatia. Their plan was to turn west into Asia..."
Called to Macedonia
Devo: Unstoppable!
"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..."
The Macedonian Connection
Article by Phil Ware
As we examine the value of women to the work of God in the early church, we must examine the roles women actually performed at the request or with the blessing of the apostolic leaders. Phil Ware continues his series of reflections on the value given to women and their work in the Bible, with this week focusing on Paul's work in Macedonia.
Guidance for Seeking Hearts
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Follower, I promised My followers that the Holy Spirit would guide them in their witness to the nations (Acts 1:8). Today, I want to talk to you..."
See All 5 Related Resources about Acts 16:6-7

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.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, September 25, 2026

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: 2 Samuel 21:10
"If the love of a woman to her slain sons could make her prolong her mournful vigil for so long a period, shall we weary of considering the sufferings...."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Love before Nightfall'
"Dear Beloved, Satan tries to mess up every act of genuine love. What you read in the verses below is one of My most precious moments with My closest...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Idolatry Should Trouble Us Toward Outreach'
"While Paul was waiting for Silas and Timothy in Athens, he was troubled because he saw that the city was full of idols. In the synagogue, he talked..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'You Gotta Be Kiddin' Me' (Jn. 5:9-13)
"But [Jesus healed the man by the pool of Bethesda] on the Sabbath, so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, "You can't..."

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