God's Holy Fire: 'Don't Quench the Spirit!'

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.
— 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 NIV

Key Thought

We can quench - or turn off - the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in our churches. We can do this by accepting things that seem spiritual but are actually evil. We also can do this by despising what is true and good. John warned Jesus' followers to test the spirits to make sure they were not following a false spirit that would lead them astray (1 John 4:1-3). Similarly, in today's Scripture, Paul reminded folks to test the teaching of those who claim to speak by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are not to discount the message of those who speak God's truth, but we are to test each message and reject what is harmful and obey what is from God. Thankfully, we are not alone in trying to discern good from evil or Spirit-inspired truth from evil untruth. The Holy Spirit, our anointing from the Father, will help us know and discern what is good and help us reject what is evil (1 John 2:20-29).

Today's Prayer

Father, I ask for wisdom and discernment. More than just human wisdom and discernment, I pray for the ability to discern your truth by the power of your Holy Spirit. In my world, there are so many voices competing for my attention, and I want to follow only your will - not my own or anyone else's. Help me to hold on to what is good and reject what is harmful. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

6 Related Resources by Heartlight

Joy, Prayer, the Spirit's Fire
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, holy God, Help me always to be joyful and to pray continually, giving thanks to you in all circumstances, since this is your will for me..."
Stifle?
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"Do not stifle the Holy Spirit."
Got Spirit?
Illustration of 1 Thessalonians 5:19
e-card image of 1 Thessalonians 5:19 -- Got Spirit? Do not put out the Spirit's fire.
Living with Character & Compassion
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, In his first letter to the Thessalonian Christians, Paul wrapped his teaching on My coming back in glory — which we will..."
See All 6 Related Resources about 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

Illustration

Illustration of 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 NIV — Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Leads & Protects His Faithful Servants'
"Leave the city of Babylon! Don't touch anything filthy. Wash yourselves. Be ready to carry back everything sacred that belongs to the Lord. You..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Proverbs 31:10, 27-28
"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies ... She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'All Day Long' (Ps. 71:24)
"I will tell about your righteous deeds all day long, for everyone who tried to hurt me has been shamed and humiliated."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Song of Songs 7:11,12
"The church was about to engage in earnest labour, and desired her Lord's company in it. She does not say, "I will go," but "let us go." It is blessed...."

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