Unstoppable! 'You Will Receive Power' — Acts 1:6-8

Sunday, January 8, 2023

So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, "Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?"

He replied, "The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere — in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

— Acts 1:6-8 NLT

Key Thought

Yesterday, we focused on redeeming wasted waiting into spiritual waiting — praying, listening, and anticipating. Waiting on Jesus is worth the wait! When we pray and intercede for each other, the Spirit brings the power of God into our lives to enable us to be and do "more than we might ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20-21). The apostles waited spiritually. When Jesus decided the time was right, he poured out the Spirit and gave them the power to do what he called them to do. When we pray and intercede for each other, he will do the same for us, today!

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, I know several people who need to know your power and presence in their lives. Enter their lives with power through the Holy Spirit. Make them aware of your presence. Give them a renewed awareness of your love. And, dear Father, as you move in their lives, I also ask for you to give me a better understanding and experience of the Spirit’s power as I seek to become more like Jesus and demonstrate his grace to others. I pray this through the authority of Jesus and the intercession of the Spirit. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 4:14-21, 24:49
  • Ephesians 1:16-20, 3:14-21

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 1:6-8 NLT — So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, "Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?"He replied, "The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere — in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

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.

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