Unstoppable! 'Alive!' — Acts 1:3

Monday, January 5, 2026

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 actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.
— Acts 1:3 NLT

Key Thought

Alive! Jesus' disciples had followed him for three years. Then Jesus was killed - crucified and buried. How could he be alive? Such a thing was considered impossible. Jesus had raised others from the dead - Lazarus (John 11:43-44), Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:35, 41-42), and the son of the widow at Nain (Luke 7:14-15). But, could Jesus actually be alive? The disciples had to know for certain! So, Jesus proved to them he was alive. They saw and touched his scars on his resurrected body (John 20:26-28). He ate with them (Luke 24:35-37, 41-43). They heard his voice and experienced his presence. They were so convinced that Jesus was alive that they gave their lives to share his story. Their conviction opens the door for our faith that Jesus is alive!

Today's Prayer

Lord Jesus, I believe you did the seemingly impossible in the lives of others. I long for you to do the same in my life and the lives of those I love. However, I know that others have periods of doubt similar to my own. Thank you for demonstrating to those who knew you best that you were actually alive from the dead. The change in them convicts me. Their transformation from hiding and afraid to bold and unstoppable is one of my proofs that you are alive! Thank you, God, for all that Jesus' resurrection means! Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

12 Related Resources by Heartlight

Act(s) 1: Scene 2 — Glory Days
Article by Mark Frost
Everything seems better than it relaly was. Mark Frost of Interim Ministry Partners shares the second in his series on Acts and nostalgia and doing the work of God in bringing the Kingdom of God.
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....."
Down the Hill, Waiting for the Return
Article by Phil Ware
How can you compare these two things? Phil Ware continues his series on the mission trip to Sagrada Familia, The Community in Lima, Peru, and ties it in this article or post to Jesus' ascension.
Purpose and Power
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Child of God, You probably know the story that is told by Doctor Luke in the verses below. Familiarity can sometimes lead you to miss something...."
See All 12 Related Resources about Acts 1:3

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 1:3 NLT — 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 actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, January 5, 2026

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Francis Frangipane:
"I tell you, if you are serious about wanting to be like Christ, He is going to put you in circumstances where your only true choice is to become like Him."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Remembering Christ's Death' (1 Co. 11:24-26)
"Dear Father, giver of bread and wine, Cause us to remember that in the same way he blessed the bread, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'To the Praise of His Glory!'
"Dear Disciple, One day you will hear the angels sing in celebration around the throne of God (Revelation 5:11-13). However, I wish you could hear..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Romans 8:34
"He who was once despised and rejected of men, now occupies the honourable position of a beloved and honoured Son. The right hand of God is the place....."

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!