February 23, 2026 | The Movement - A Study in Acts by Byron McWilliams
Day 1: The God Who Orchestrates Our Moments
Reading: Acts 3:1-10
Devotional: God's timing is never accidental. The beggar at the Beautiful Gate had been passed by countless times—even by Jesus himself—yet God orchestrated a specific moment for his healing. This reminds us that God's delays aren't denials; He's arranging circumstances for maximum impact. Perhaps you're waiting for breakthrough in your own life. Consider that God may be positioning you for a miracle that will not only transform you but will become a testimony that points others to Christ. The miracle wasn't just about one man's healing; it was about creating a divine opportunity for the gospel to be proclaimed. Trust God's perfect timing in your circumstances today. What seems like a missed opportunity may actually be God's strategic placement for something greater.
Day 2: Deflecting Glory, Magnifying Jesus
Reading: John 3:22-30; Acts 3:11-13
Devotional: "He must increase, but I must decrease." John the Baptist's words echo through Peter's response to the crowd's amazement. When God works powerfully through us, our natural tendency is to accept the applause. Yet true spiritual maturity recognizes that every good gift comes from above. Peter immediately deflected attention from himself, pointing instead to Jesus. This kind of humility doesn't come naturally—it's cultivated through understanding who we are in Christ. Today, examine your heart: When something goes well, do you subtly take credit, or do you instinctively give God glory? The test of our character isn't just what we do in public, but how we think in private. Practice saying, "Look what God did" instead of "Look what happened." This simple shift transforms our testimony and honors the One who deserves all praise.
Day 3: The Holy and Righteous One
Reading: Isaiah 53:1-12
Devotional: Peter's words cut deep: "You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be released." The definite article matters—there is only ONE who is truly holy and righteous: Jesus Christ. Isaiah prophesied the suffering servant centuries before, yet when He came, many rejected Him. Before we judge those who stood at the foot of the cross shouting "Crucify Him," we must recognize our own tendency to choose lesser things over Jesus. Every time we prioritize comfort over obedience, pleasure over purity, or popularity over faithfulness, we're making the same choice. Yet this same Jesus—pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities—offers forgiveness and righteousness. Today, confess where you've chosen "Barabbas" over Jesus, and receive His grace that transforms the evil into the righteous.
Day 4: The Author of Life
Reading: John 1:1-14; Colossians 1:15-20
Devotional: Peter called Jesus "the Author of life"—the originator, creator, and source of all life. The magnitude of this truth should stop us in our tracks. The One who spoke galaxies into existence, who breathed life into Adam, who sustains every heartbeat—this is the One who died for you. We traded the Giver of life for a destroyer of life, yet God's love pursued us still. Nothing in your life exists apart from Jesus. Your next breath, your ability to think and feel, your capacity for love—all flow from Him. This reality should transform how we live. When anxiety threatens, remember: the Author of life holds your story. When fear grips you, recall: the Creator of all sustains you. Let this truth anchor your soul today. You belong to the One who authors life itself.
Day 5: Through Jesus, the Impossible Becomes Possible
Reading: Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 19:23-26
Devotional: "Nothing is impossible with God." These aren't empty words meant to inspire positive thinking—they're the bedrock reality of our faith. The servant becomes our Savior. The impossible becomes possible. The evil are made righteous. Whatever impossibility you're facing today, Jesus is the answer. Not a quick fix, not a magic formula, but the divine solution who meets us in our need. Perhaps you've been praying for years with no visible answer. Maybe your situation seems hopeless. Remember: God specializes in the impossible. He opened blind eyes, raised the dead, and conquered the grave. Your marriage, your prodigal child, your financial crisis, your health battle—none of these are too difficult for Him. Through Jesus, you have access to resurrection power. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in you. Bring your impossibility to the Author of life today and watch Him work.
Reflection Questions for the Week:
- Where am I tempted to take credit for what God has done?
- What "Barabbas" am I choosing over Jesus in my daily decisions?
- How does knowing Jesus as the "Author of life" change my perspective on my current circumstances?
- What impossible situation do I need to surrender fully to Jesus today?