God's Holy Fire: 'Wait for the Promise'

Friday, January 31, 2025

[Jesus said,] "You're the first to hear and see [the fulfillment of the prophecies about the Messiah]. You're the witnesses. What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until [the Holy Spirit] arrives, until you're equipped with power from on high."

Key Thought

"You're the witnesses!" Jesus wanted his closest followers to know that they had experienced some things that were world-changing, and they were the first ones to witness these things. Their mission would be great, but they would receive power to help with that mission. That power would equip them and enable them to be witnesses to the world. The power that they were promised is the Holy Spirit. And that Holy Spirit, dear friend, is the same Holy Spirit that lives inside Jesus' followers today! The early disciples waited for Jesus to send that power at Pentecost, and we are living reminders of that promise being fulfilled and that power being real. Two thousand years later, people across the oceans, from a multitude of cultures, call Jesus Lord because the promise of the Holy Spirit's coming is true - in New Testament times and in our own!

Today's Prayer

O Father, please forgive us for not believing in the power you have made available to us in your Holy Spirit. Thank you, Jesus, for pouring the Spirit out on us when we gave our lives to you. Now, I ask that you open our eyes and our hearts to see and believe that this promised source of power to witness to your work is available to us today. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

10 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 24:48-49 MSG — "You're the first to hear and see [the fulfillment of the prophecies about the Messiah]."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, January 31, 2025

A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
"[Jesus continued teaching about the Kingdom:] "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of..."
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
"Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God.""
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
"About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church."
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
"Dear Child of the King, You are royalty. However, your royal lineage is not established by your race, your culture, your language, your education, or..."

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.