January 19, 2026 | The Movement - A Study in Acts by Byron McWilliams
Day 1: Walking in Obedience
Reading: John 14:15-21
Devotional: Jesus makes it clear: "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." Love for Christ isn't proven by our words but by our actions. Before we can expect God's guidance in major life decisions, we must examine our hearts for areas of disobedience. Are we grieving the Holy Spirit through unconfessed sin? God cannot bless decisions made while we're walking contrary to His will. Today, take inventory of your spiritual life. Confess any known sin. Renounce what separates you from intimate fellowship with God. When we walk in obedience, we position ourselves to receive divine guidance. Clean your slate before the Lord, and experience the freedom of walking in alignment with His purposes for your life.
Reflection Question: What area of disobedience is keeping me from fully experiencing God's guidance?
Day 2: The Power of Fellowship
Reading: Hebrews 10:23-25
Devotional: Christianity is a team sport, not an individual endeavor. The early believers understood this—120 gathered in the upper room, united in purpose and prayer. We need each other. Isolated Christians become dysfunctional Christians. Like geese flying in formation, we're designed to encourage one another, to "honk" for each other as we journey together. When you disconnect from regular fellowship and worship with other believers, you place yourself in spiritual peril. Satan loves to isolate believers, making them vulnerable to poor decisions and spiritual drift. The writer of Hebrews urges us not to neglect meeting together, but to encourage one another "all the more as you see the day drawing near." Commit today to active involvement in Christian community.
Reflection Question: Am I actively engaged in meaningful fellowship with other believers, or am I trying to live as a "lone wolf" Christian?
Day 3: Devoted to Prayer
Reading: Acts 1:12-14
Devotional: The disciples didn't passively wait for the Holy Spirit—they devoted themselves to prayer. This wasn't casual, occasional prayer, but fervent, continuous communion with God. When facing important decisions, devoted prayer becomes essential. Prayer aligns our hearts with God's purposes and opens our spirits to His direction. We don't pray to twist God's arm or convince Him of our plans; we pray to surrender our will to His. Consider the disciples—likely confessing their failures, adoring Jesus, thanking God for His faithfulness, and seeking His guidance. Right decisions demand devoted prayer. Don't rush into major choices without spending significant time seeking God's face. Let prayer become the foundation of your decision-making process, trusting that God hears and answers.
Reflection Question: How much time am I actually devoting to prayer when facing important decisions?
Day 4: Guided by God's Word
Reading: Psalm 119:105-112
Devotional: God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. When darkness surrounds us and decisions loom large, Scripture illuminates the way forward. The early church didn't make decisions based on feelings or popular opinion—they searched the Scriptures. Peter quoted the Psalms to guide the selection of Matthias. God speaks to us through His living, active Word. Engage in systematic reading, topical studies on relevant issues, and devotional reading that connects your heart to God's. As you immerse yourself in Scripture, you'll be amazed how God brings specific verses to mind exactly when you need them. The Bible isn't just an ancient book—it's God's personal communication to guide your life today.
Reflection Question: Am I regularly reading God's Word, or only turning to it in crisis moments?
Day 5: Resting in God's Sovereignty
Reading: Proverbs 16:1-9, 33
Devotional: The greatest place to be is resting in God's sovereignty. The disciples cast lots, trusting that God would reveal His choice. They understood that our transcendent God rules and reigns over all circumstances. When you've walked in obedience, engaged in fellowship, devoted yourself to prayer, and searched the Scriptures, you can rest. Even if decisions don't turn out as expected, God's purposes prevail. Everything that comes your way has been filtered through His fingers. You cannot fail when you trust God completely. This doesn't mean you won't face difficulties, but it means God works all things for good for those who love Him. Release your anxiety about decisions. Trust His sovereignty. Say with confidence: "Not my will, but Yours be done."
Reflection Question: Am I truly resting in God's sovereignty, or am I anxiously trying to control outcomes?
Closing Prayer: Father, teach me to make decisions Your way. Help me walk in obedience, engage in fellowship, devote myself to prayer, search Your Word, and rest in Your sovereignty. I cannot fail when I trust You completely. Guide my steps in 2026 and beyond. In Jesus' name, Amen.