God's Holy Fire: 'Longing to Look'

Monday, March 23, 2026

All [the prophets] were told was that they were serving you, you who by orders from heaven have now heard for yourselves — through the Holy Spirit — the Message of those prophecies fulfilled. Do you realize how fortunate you are? Angels would have given anything to be in on this!
— 1 Peter 1:12 MSG

Key Thought

Angels stood on tiptoe longing to look over the horizon of heaven, trying to understand the promises the Holy Spirit inspired in the words of the prophets. And now, those of us who follow Jesus have heard the story of God's grace given to us in Jesus. This message wasn't given by chance, and it wasn't simply the proclamation of human messengers, but it was brought to us by the work of the Holy Spirit and through the conviction inspired by the Spirit. The prophecies given by the Holy Spirit were fulfilled, and we have received this grace because the Spirit's work wasn't done when the words were spoken, or even when they were fulfilled; no, the Spirit isn't satisfied until the message comes alive in us!

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, my Abba Father, thank you for investing so much in me that you would send the Holy Spirit to do his work through the centuries, to see that Jesus Christ would come alive in me! Thank you for this grace, and the gift of your Spirit, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

8 Related Resources by Heartlight

Even Angels Long...
Illustration of 1 Peter 1:12
Inspirational image of 1 Peter 1:12 - Even Angels long to look into these things.
'Tis the Season
Article by Rubel Shelly
So what are you going to focus on this season? Rubel reminds us that Christmas is the season for many things depending on who we are. So let's use this season to be a blessing and not to stir trouble and let's do it responsibly and with grace.
On Tiptoes with Angels
Article by Phil Ware
Christmas, like the coming of Jesus, is about waiting! Phil Ware begins a five-part series on Jesus at Christmas. This week is focused on waiting for Jesus to come.
On Tiptoe with Angels
Article by Phil Ware
How do you look over the horizon of history and see God's greatest promise fulfilled? Phil Ware uses the story of the angels in Luke chapters 1 and 2 to remind us that Jesus' birth is something that should amaze us!
See All 8 Related Resources about 1 Peter 1:12

Illustration

Illustration of 1 Peter 1:12 MSG — Angels would have given anything to be in on this!

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, March 23, 2026

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'If You Trust Me, You're Trusting God'
"Jesus shouted to the crowds, "If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Edward McKendree (E. M.) Bounds:
"Those who know God the best are the richest and most powerful in prayer. Little acquaintance with God, and strangeness and coldness to Him, make prayer a rare....."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
James 1:19-20
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Furthering the Faith' (Ti. 1:1-9)
"Dear Father, the God who never lies, Grant that my life will further the faith of your chosen people and increase their knowledge of the truth that....."

About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

More God's Holy Fire

Translations