God's Holy Fire: 'The Missing Ingredient!'

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Your Support Matters!

Your donations are vital to help us keep the light shining.

 Donate Now
On one occasion, while [Jesus] was eating with [the disciples], he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
— Acts 1:4-5 NIV

Key Thought

Jesus' closest followers had seen him betrayed, crucified, and raised from the dead. They had been with the Lord after his resurrection — they had touched his scars, shared meals with him, and heard his voice. They had an incredible story to tell, and the world desperately needed to hear their message. However, they lacked one crucial ingredient to begin their mission: They did not have the Holy Spirit. Jesus told them to wait! In spite of the urgency of the disciples' mission, everything was on hold until Jesus poured out the promised Holy Spirit. No matter how well we think we may be ready to do great things for God, we must also remember that we are not ready to begin without the power of the Holy Spirit!

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, thank you for being willing to share yourself and your power with me through the Holy Spirit. Forgive me when I try to operate by my own timing, my own sense of sufficiency, and my own wisdom and plans. I recognize my deep need for the Holy Spirit to move in me, to empower me, and to equip me for your work in the world. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, January 9, 2024

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Your Best Is Not Good Enough'
"Dear Beloved, What do you do when you recognize that your best isn't good enough to get you to God? That's the essential question that every..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Peter C. Moore:
"[When] Jesus Himself fasted, He was not fasting to repent or to bring His desires under control, of course, but to demonstrate His absolute dependence upon His...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'All Day Long' (Ps. 44:8)
"O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Great Joy!' (Mk. 1:11)
"And a voice from heaven said [to Jesus following his baptism], "You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.""

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 1:4-5 NIV — "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

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