Today's Verse: Romans 8:23

Monday, August 23, 2004

Not only [is all creation groaning under its bondage to decay], but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons and daughters, the redemption of our bodies.
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Life can be very difficult at times. Anyone who has lived long knows this. At the same time, even our worst nightmares are staging periods for our great redemption. Our loneliest moments are the waiting room for our final adoption into the very presence the King of Ages. With the Spirit living inside us, we are assured of the ultimate destination of our lives, our Abba Father in our forever home! No matter where the current scene in life's drama places us, let's live as those who are assured of their final destination. We are not of those who have no hope, those who have made their home and placed all their hope in what is present in the here-and-now reality of our decaying universe. For us, however, our best days lie ahead with a new heavens and new earth with God, forever.

Video Commentary...

We've included Phil's ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:

My Prayer...

Almighty and faithful God, our loving Abba Father, bless us with courage today to face whatever obstacles lie ahead. Please give us spiritual strength to live with grace, dignity, and integrity so that others may see our faithfulness, hope, and joy. We want them to come to know you and bring you glory with us on that great day when the Holy Spirit fully redeems our bodies and our world from their slavery to death, decay, and destruction. In Jesus' name, we wait in hope and pray with anticipation. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

17 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Romans 8:23 — Not only [is all creation groaning under its bondage to decay], but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons and daughters, the redemption of our bodies.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, August 23, 2004

The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
""Sanctified in Christ Jesus."- 1 Corinthians 1:2"Through sanctification of the Spirit."- 1 Peter 1:2 Mark the union of the Three Divine Persons in all..."
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
"Dear Father, Keep me from sowing seeds from my sinful nature, for I do not want to reap the crop they will produce. May I not invest my time, money,...."
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"May all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "God is great!" But as for me,...."
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"Who knows the thoughts that another person has? Only a person’s spirit that lives within him knows his thoughts. It is the same with God. No one knows..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.