God's Holy Fire: 'Vitally Empowering'

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Samuel took his flask of oil and anointed [David], with his brothers standing around watching. The Spirit of God entered David like a rush of wind, God vitally empowering him for the rest of his life.
— 1 Samuel 16:13 MSG

Key Thought

Throughout the Old Testament, God's Spirit would come on leaders for a time and empower them in special ways. However, David was led and empowered by the Spirit for his whole life after he was anointed by Samuel, although his sinful time with Bathsheba made him question whether God would remove the Spirit and his leadership because of his sin (Psalm 51:10-11). The remarkable thing about the Holy Spirit under the new covenant is that he comes upon all Jesus' true followers: men and women, young and old, leaders or followers (Acts 2:1-39; Acts 5:32; Romans 8:9), and he stays with us. We have this "vitally empowering" gift living inside us, to guide us, convict us, empower us, equip us, intercede for us, and transform us. What a precious gift!

Today's Prayer

Thank you, Father, for the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit. As I continue on this journey to learn more about your Spirit, I want to yield my life fully to the influence of the Spirit. I want to reflect Jesus and honor you in all that I do and all that I am. I ask that this "vitally empowering" presence of your Spirit do what needs to be done in me to honor you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Transition out of Darkness
Article by Phil Ware
Are you helping transition those you love out of darkness? Phil Ware continues his series of light on the dark side of the mountain and reminds us of Samuel, the great transitional leader of God.

Illustration

Illustration of 1 Samuel 16:13 MSG — The Spirit of God entered David like a rush of wind, God vitally empowering him for the rest of his life.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, February 12, 2026

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Shout Joyful Praises!' (Ps. 66:1-4)
"Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth! Sing about the glory of his name! Tell the world how glorious he is. Say to God, "How awesome are your..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Colossians 3:12
"As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Wise Counsel and the Test of Time' (Acts 5:33-39)
"When [the high council] heard [the apostles' testimony about Jesus' resurrection], the high council was furious and decided to kill them. But one..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Psalms 39:12
"Yes, O Lord, with thee, but not to thee. All my natural alienation from thee, thy grace has effectually removed; and now, in fellowship with thyself,...."

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