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."
— 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.

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22 Related Resources by Heartlight

Don't Leave!
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"Once when [Jesus] was eating with [the disciples], he commanded them, "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you..."
Soon!
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"[Jesus said,] "John baptized in water; you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit. And soon.""
The Kingdom of God
Devo: Unstoppable!
"During the forty days after [Jesus] suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was....."
Wait!
Article by Max Lucado
If the apostles needed to wait on the Spirit, shouldn't we? Max Lucado reminds us that the Holy Spirit is essential to all we do and are as followers of Jesus, so let's wait on the Spirit to lead us and empower us before launching out too hastily into the unknown.
See All 22 Related Resources about Acts 1:4-5

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."

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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.

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