God's Holy Fire: 'Use Them'

Monday, September 21, 2026

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
— Romans 12:6-8 NIV

Key Thought

"Just do it!"® Long before Nike adopted this expression as its slogan, Paul commanded it to the Romans. God has gifted us - each of us. We are not judged by the KIND of gifts that we have received, but on whether and how we USE the gifts we have received. So no matter what our gifts may be, Paul simply says, "Use them!"

Today's Prayer

O Father, I confess that Satan makes me feel less than others because I sometimes believe his lies. Rather than diligently using the gifts that you have given me, I sometimes waste time wishing that I were better at using my gifts or that I had other gifts. I am convicted by Paul's words today. I know I need to use the gifts you have given me. So please, Holy Spirit, give me the confidence to know my gifts so that I can use them effectively to your glory. In Jesus' name, I ask for this grace. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

10 Related Resources by Heartlight

Need for Interdependence
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, who wills our interdependence, Help me not to think more highly of myself than I ought to think, but to think with sober judgment,..."
Value of Interdependence
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, who wills our interdependence, Having gifts that differ, let us use them appropriately according to your will. If prophesy, in..."
If You're Not Sure of Your Part
Article by Alan Smith
How do you find your part? Alan Smith talks about a junior high music teacher whose students didn't play.
Discovering the Character of Your Church: Values & Integrity
Article by Greg Anderson
How do we handle our values with integrity in the life of our congregation? Greg Anderson reminds us why values are so important and how we must live out of our values with integrity.
See All 10 Related Resources about Romans 12:6-8

Illustration

Illustration of Romans 12:6-8 NIV —

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, September 21, 2026

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Christians Can Find Strength in God' (Ep. 6:10)
"In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless]..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Anne Graham Lotz:
"God can change our circumstances, but sometimes He waits for us to show real desire for change as well as our faith in Him."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Spirit of Generosity' (Ro. 13:9)
"Dear Father, generous giver, Love sees needs and shares resources. How lacking I am in this regard. Please forgive me and make me better. Give a..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Matthew 22:37-39
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it:..."

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