Unstoppable! 'Jesus at Work Through His People' — Acts 1:1-2

Thursday, January 1, 2026

He is Risen!

Happy Resurrection Sunday from Heartlight and Verse of the Day!

 Read 'Resurrection!'
In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit.
— Acts 1:1-2 NLT

Key Thought

Don't you find the simple words "everything Jesus began to do" intriguing? Take them with you as we journey through the book of Acts* this year. Jesus' earthly ministry was just the beginning. He didn't quit when he ascended to the right hand of the Father. He promised to empower his disciples through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; John 14:16-17; Luke 24:49), and he did. He told them that they would do even greater things than he had done (John 14:12), and they did. The Lord's presence made them unstoppable. He longs to do the same through us, today.

* Here is our approach to Luke's outline:

Acts: Jesus' Spirit-Empowered Witnesses to the World (Acts 1:8)

  • Growing into Mission 1.8: chaps. 1-9 - (Focus on Jerusalem) {Time of Peter}
  • Deciding for Mission 1.8: chaps. 10-15 - (Focus on Antioch) {Time of Transition}
  • Carrying out Mission 1.8: chaps. 16-28 - (Focus on Ephesus & Rome) {Time of Paul}

Today's Prayer

O Father, forgive us. We so often forget that Jesus is still at work. We plan and act as if his work is up to only us and our efforts. We give up so easily because we don't trust the presence and power of the Holy Spirit to enable us. Open our hearts to the Spirit's power to do more than we can ask or imagine. Stir us to see Jesus at work guiding our movements and opening doors for us to share his message. Lord Jesus, enable us to experience your presence so that we will be bold and unstoppable in sharing your message. We ask for these blessings for your glory and not our own. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

18 Related Resources by Heartlight

Authority from the Spirit
Devo: Unstoppable!
"In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen...."
Friends of God Seeking Truth
Devo: Unstoppable!
"In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen...."
Instructed & Empowered by the Spirit
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"[Luke wrote,] In my [gospel] I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his..."
New, but Connected
Devo: Unstoppable!
"In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen...."
See All 18 Related Resources about Acts 1:1-2

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 1:1-2 NLT — In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, January 1, 2026

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 20:15
"Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'He Will Raise the Dead!' (Jn. 5:21)
"[Jesus continued,] "For just as the Father gives life to those he raises from the dead, so the Son gives life to anyone he wants.""
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'My Body an Instrument' (1 Co. 6:14-20)
"Dear Father, powerful and holy God, This body of mine is not just temporary, meant for the decay of the grave. You have promised to redeem it, to..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by C. S. Lewis:
"We all want progress, but if you're on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns..."

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Unstoppable!