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

Friday, January 9, 2026

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."

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.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

22 Related Resources by Heartlight

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."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, January 9, 2026

A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
"He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached...."
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"For God to explain a trial would be to destroy its purpose, calling forth simple faith and implicit obedience."
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
"Dear Disciple, The verses you will read today contain strong warnings and harsh language for false teachers. These false teachers were leading My..."
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
"There is a strange power about the very name of blood, and the sight of it is always affecting. A kind heart cannot bear to see a sparrow bleed, and....."

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.