God's Holy Fire: 'Stifle?'

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.
— 1 Thessalonians 5:19 NLT

Key Thought

Have you ever been in the mood to kick up your heels, have some good ol' clean fun, and whoop and holler a little bit, but have found yourself in a formal situation where such behavior would not be tolerated? We feel stifled in such moments. Have you ever wondered how many times you've forced the Holy Spirit into a similar situation - stifling his efforts to encourage, empower, inspire, comfort, thrill, convict, motivate, sanctify, and enable you or others?

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, forgive me for the times that I have stifled the influence of your Holy Spirit in worship, in other parts of my life, and in the lives of others. Please fill, empower, convict, encourage, motivate, inspire, comfort, and enable me, and make me holy through the work of your personal presence, the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, I ask this. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

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.
Don't Quench the Spirit!
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"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."
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..."
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 5 Related Resources about 1 Thessalonians 5:19

Illustration

Illustration of 1 Thessalonians 5:19 NLT — Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, September 17, 2026

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Choosing the Presence of God' (Acts 7:44-50)
"[Stephen continued his defense with a shocking turn, quoting Isaiah and criticizing worshiping only in the Temple:] "Our ancestors carried the..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 9:10
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'You Don't Believe the One He Sent' (Jn. 5:37-38)
"[Jesus said,] "And the Father who sent me has testified about me himself. You have never heard his voice or seen him face to face, and you do not have..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Exercising Self-control' (1 Co. 9:24)
"Dear Father, Help me to compete like a runner aspiring for an Olympic gold medal. Help me to exercise discipline and self-control in all things that...."

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