Unity Unlocks Power

Hi, you're listening to the My Morning Devotional podcast, episode 1522. Today's devotional is called Unity Unlocks Power. Hey there. We're the Alessies, a ministry family working together in our church in Miami, Florida. And if you're like us, when days get busy and to do lists get longer, it can be hard to find devotional time. That's why we've partnered with our friend Allison to produce a five minute daily dose of heaven. This is the My Morning Devotional podcast. Hi, I'm Mary Alessi, and again, it's an honor to be a part of the My Morning Devotional podcast this week. I love being in this booth. This is exciting. We've heard so many wonderful things, had some great feedback about how well the girls are doing and how much it's blessing each and every one of you. And can I just commend you for starting your day off with five minutes with God? You might think, oh, five minutes. Is that enough? Absolutely it is. Because it's time that you're devoting just for him. It's your morning devotional with the Lord. So we just want to encourage you stay connected here. This week, we're talking about Acts, and I want to share the scripture with you. Acts 2 and 1. There's actually two scriptures for today's devotional. Acts 2. 1 and Acts 2:6. Acts 2:1 says, when the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Acts 2:6 says each one heard their own language being spoken. Now, I know that might come across as. That's weird. What does that even mean? They were all in one place on the day of Pentecost, when we know they were in the upper room and the Holy Spirit visited them. The Bible says that it was like a mighty rushing wind. It came in that room as they were meeting in an upper room. There was just a few of them in that room. They were together. They were in unity in one place, and they were seeking God. And then, although there was a language being spoken that they didn't understand, each one heard their own language being spoken. There was a translation from heaven. But before the power came. Here's the key. For you and I, there was unity. Now, there's a scripture verse that I love, and I use it all the time in my marriage. Been married for 38 years. And it's just a little extra scripture verse here, but it's the verse that says, there's power when we agree. When we agree and we come into unity. It honors God, it blesses God and power is released. So I would flip that and say, when we're not in unity, there's weakness, it fractures us, there's division. And so we see the power that's released in these acts stories in the upper room when they were all together in one place and in one accord. And I'm not just talking about being in the same room. They were in unity in every area of their heart and in their mind. See, the early church wasn't scattered in their opinion. They weren't distracted, they weren't divided. They weren't what I call chopping up Jesus, meaning they didn't have their own theology. Is Jesus more about love or is he more about judgment? What did Jesus mean when he said this? And what did Jesus mean when he said that they were together? They weren't divided on doctrine. They were united on the things that mattered the most. And when they unified, get this, God moved in a very unique way and he moved on everyone. It reached everyone in that room. There was an empowerment that came on them when they agreed, when they came in. Unity. See, unity isn't just a nice idea. It's not something that just brings peace and lessons or suppresses conflict. It's not. We're not just trying to all agree or all get along. No, no, no, no. Unity, when we truly walk in it with the people in our lives, it's a spiritual force. It's a spiritual force. It can show up in your marriage, it can show up in your friendships, it can show up on, on your teams, in the ministries you work with. And it definitely should show up with all your kids when you're teaching your children the power of unity. It's a spiritual force. It's activated in your life and it's so significant and you feel it and you experience it, that you'll practice unity more and more and more like the early church did as well. So in your family, in your church, unity will create an environment where God's power flows freely. I don't know about you, but I want that. I want to practice that every day. Because division, on the other hand, blocks what God wants to do for us. Division separates. It's stalemates. We stonewall another one, another, and we don't get anywhere. That's why it's so important for us in today's day to shut off the voices that are causing division. And I know those voices. I went and unfollowed a whole lot of people at the beginning of 2026 because I don't want any more to Fan the flame of division in my heart or in my mind. I have to work very hard, as I'm sure you do, to foster unity in my life. Why? Because there's a spiritual force that I can lay claim to. So let me ask you this today, and maybe you should ask yourself this question. Is there any relationship where I've allowed distance, division, offense, or a misunderstanding to grow? Listen, it ain't worth it. Find unity today. Pursue peace at all costs. Just take one step. If you've been offended at someone, forgive them. Take a step and text them and let them know you're all right. Because offense only hurts you. Release that person that's offended you. Extend grace to that person. Choose understanding over being right. I think that's so invaluable to us. Maybe I misunderstood. Maybe I'm over here and I'm offended and I'm hurt. But the very power that I need released in my life, I've caused it to be impotent in my life because I'm offended at someone. You take responsibility. And instead of expecting a I'm sorry, how about you step up and send a text that just says, it's okay, let's move forward. Wow. What could happen in your life if you took that step? So can we pray together? Father, thank you for the power of unity. Thank you, God, that we can operate in it, that we can take steps towards it. And when we do, we find so much peace because there's power that's released. In agreement. Father, we all pray today that you would use us to be a person that bridges the gaps, builds bridges, not walls. Show us, each and every one of us today, in any area that we might be offended or we've caused offense, that we would lay those things down so that it would bring honor and glory to your name. Lord. We pray that our lives would contribute to unity in everything that we say and everything that we do. In your mighty name we pray. Amen and amen. I hope this has blessed you today. Thanks for joining us. So there you have it, your 5 minute daily dose of heaven. Thank you so much for tuning in today. We pray these devotionals empower you to take on your day. If you found value in this devotional, share it with a friend. Leave a comment or review for us on the app you're using right now. Until tomorrow. We pray that your latte is strong, but your love for Jesus is stronger.