January 12, 2026 | The Movement - A Study in Acts by Byron McWilliams
Day 1: A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken
Reading: Daniel 2:44; Mark 1:14-15
Devotional: The kingdoms of this world rise and fall, but God's kingdom stands forever. When Jesus began His ministry, He didn't preach self-help or political revolution—He proclaimed the arrival of God's eternal kingdom. This kingdom isn't found on any map; it exists wherever God reigns in human hearts. The call to "repent and believe" isn't just about acknowledging facts; it's about surrendering your personal kingdom to His rule. Today, examine where you're still clinging to control. Are you demanding your way above God's way? The most miserable Christian is one who knows Christ but refuses His lordship. True peace comes when we stop fighting for our throne and bow before His.
Day 2: Empowered by the Spirit
Reading: Acts 1:4-8; John 14:15-17
Devotional: God doesn't call you to accomplish His mission in your own strength. The same power that created the Amazon River—discharging 460 million pounds of water per second—resides within every believer through the Holy Spirit. This isn't power for personal ambition or comfort; it's supernatural empowerment to do what God asks. When you share the gospel and someone comes to Christ, you're witnessing power greater than all natural forces combined. The Spirit doesn't empower us to build our kingdoms but to advance His. Stop striving in human effort. Yield to the Holy Spirit today. Ask Him to work through you, not for your glory, but for His kingdom purposes. The mission is too big for you—and that's exactly the point.
Day 3: A Kingdom Without Borders
Reading: Matthew 28:18-20; Galatians 3:26-29
Devotional: Jesus demolished every barrier that separates people from God. His kingdom recognizes no racial, social, gender, or age distinctions. From Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, the gospel invitation extends to everyone. Christianity isn't a cultural club or ethnic religion—it's an international movement where Christ alone matters. The early church understood this, spreading like wildfire across the Roman Empire until even the emperor had to acknowledge its unstoppable advance. Are you limiting God's kingdom to people who look, think, or live like you? Today, ask God to expand your vision. Who in your sphere of influence needs to hear about Jesus? Remember: Christianity is a declaration of war against darkness, and you're called to be a witness wherever you are.
Day 4: An Unstoppable Movement
Reading: Matthew 16:13-18; Revelation 19:11-16
Devotional: "The gates of hell will not overcome it." Jesus made an audacious promise: His church is unstoppable. Governments have tried to crush it. Ideologies have attempted to replace it. Satan has waged war against it. Yet Christianity advances. Islam threatens, secularism mocks, and culture resists—but the kingdom of God cannot be stopped because Jesus has already won. We're not fighting for victory; we're fighting from victory. The final chapter is written, and Christ reigns. This truth should fill you with courage, not complacency. If the outcome is certain, live boldly. Share fearlessly. Stand firmly. The darkness may seem overwhelming, but remember: you serve the King whose kingdom will never end. Today, let this certainty transform your fears into faith.
Day 5: Ready for His Return
Reading: Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Devotional: Jesus is coming back. Not as a helpless baby or suffering servant, but as conquering King. The same way He ascended—visibly, bodily, gloriously—He will return. This isn't wishful thinking; it's certain hope. Unlike dead religious founders, we worship a living Savior we will see face-to-face. This promise should change how you live today. Are you ready to meet Him? Would you be pleased or ashamed? God's kingdom reigns now in believers' hearts, but soon Christ will establish His earthly reign. A new heaven and earth await. Eternity with Jesus is coming. Let this hope purify your life, fuel your witness, and comfort your grief. Today, live as a citizen of heaven, representing your King well until He returns. The kingdom is here, and the King is coming.
Reflection Questions for the Week:
- Is God truly reigning in every area of my life, or am I still ruling my own kingdom?
- How am I using the Holy Spirit's power for God's purposes rather than my own?
- Who has God placed in my life that needs to hear the gospel message?
- What fears am I holding onto that Christ's victory should eliminate?
- Am I living each day ready to meet Jesus face-to-face?