Day 119: Full of Faith, Full of Fire

Today’s Reading:
Deuteronomy 10–11, Acts 7, Psalm 102, Proverbs 28

Today’s Scripture: Acts 7:55 (NLT)
“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand.”

Devotional:

Stephen knew he wasn’t just defending himself—he was representing Jesus.

Acts 7 captures Stephen’s final sermon, and it’s not timid. He doesn’t sugarcoat the truth or try to save his own skin. He walks through Israel’s entire history, showing how they resisted God over and over, and he fearlessly calls them to repentance. And it costs him everything.

But just before the rocks start flying, Stephen lifts his eyes. He sees heaven open. He sees Jesus standing—not sitting—at the right hand of the Father. It’s the only time in Scripture where Jesus is standing at God’s right hand. Almost as if to say, “I see you. I honor you. I receive you.”

When you live full of faith and full of fire, Heaven notices.

Stephen wasn’t trying to be a hero. He was simply faithful. His boldness wasn’t born of anger—it was born of love. His fire wasn’t fueled by pride—it was fueled by the Spirit.

The world needs fewer people playing it safe and more people gazing steadily at heaven.
People who live with eternity in their eyes and Spirit-fire in their veins.
People who would rather see Jesus standing for them than hear the crowd clapping for them.

Faithfulness isn’t always rewarded on earth. But heaven never misses it.

Reflection Questions:
1. Where in my life am I choosing comfort over bold, Spirit-led obedience?

2. What would change if I lived every day with my eyes fixed on heaven?

Prayer:
Father, give me a faith that looks steadily to Jesus, no matter what pressures surround me. Fill me with Your Spirit until boldness rises and fear fades. I want to live for Your standing ovation, not the approval of the crowd. Help me carry Your truth with love, courage, and grace. Shape me into a witness that brings You glory. In Jesus’ Holy and most worthy name, Amen.

Digging Deeper

Deuteronomy 10–11 calls Israel back to a love relationship with God—one that moves beyond rule-following into deep trust. Moses urges them to love and serve the Lord with all their heart and soul because obedience is relational, not transactional.

Acts 7 shows the cost of bold witness. Stephen isn’t reckless; he’s Spirit-led. His face shines like an angel, even as he speaks truth that cuts deep. His death is not a defeat. It becomes a seed for future harvest, paving the way for Saul’s eventual transformation.

Psalm 102 reminds us that God remains unshaken even when we feel fragile. Our fleeting lives find meaning in His enduring faithfulness.

Proverbs 28 reminds us that “the righteous are as bold as a lion.” True courage doesn’t come from circumstances—it flows from righteousness rooted in God.

If you want to live a life that shakes eternity, keep your eyes on heaven and your heart full of fire.