Today's Verse: Romans 8:15

Monday, March 21, 1949

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
— Romans 8:15
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

These simple words, "by him we cry, 'Abba, Father,'" are revolutionary! Just as Jesus prayed to God, addressing him as "Abba Father,"* we too can speak so frankly and openly with God. The simple syllables "ab-ba-ab-ba" are some of the earliest babies babble. They form the word "Abba," which was used by very young children to speak intimately, respectfully, dependently, and openly with their earthly fathers. The Holy Spirit gives us that same privilege as God's beloved children. We can call the Creator of the universe, the Great God of Israel, the Father of all peoples, the Almighty of eternity, "Abba" when we pray - just like our Savior, Jesus. Incredible!
* Jesus used this term for God when he prayed in the Garden before his death - Mark 14:36.

Video Commentary...

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

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

Abba Father, thank you for your presence within me through your Holy Spirit. Thank you for letting me address you with such familiarity and boldness, as well as with such respect and dependency. Thank you for being my Heavenly Father for eternity and inviting me to tenderly call you "Abba"! In Jesus' name, I humbly thank you. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

33 Related Resources by Heartlight

Abba, Father
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him,..."
Romans 8:15
Devo: Today's Verse
"For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father.""
The Coming Glory
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, creator and re-creator of the world, Whatever I may have to suffer is nothing compared to the glory you will reveal in your people, and...."
No Slave to Fear
Illustration of Romans 8:15
Inspirational illustration of Romans 8:15 -- For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba Father."
See All 33 Related Resources about Romans 8:15

Illustration

Illustration of Romans 8:15 — For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, March 21, 1949

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'The Messiah Has Come!' (Acts 28:20)
"[Paul addressed the Jewish leaders in Rome and explained:] "I asked you to come here today so we could get acquainted and so I could explain to you....."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Galatians 2:20
"When the Lord in mercy passed by and saw us in our blood, he first of all said, "Live"; and this he did first, because life is one of the absolutely....."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'No Plan Can Stand Against God' (Mt. 28:11-12)
"As the women [who saw Jesus after seeing the empty tomb] were on their way [to tell the disciples], some of the guards went into the city and told the..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Overcome!' (Mt. 2:10-11)
"[The Magi] could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time! They entered the house and saw the child..."

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.

More Today's Verse