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.
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:
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.
"Dear Father, God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory. Give me a spirit of wisdom and of revelation so that I may truly know the Savior. Let..."
"The seven days [for vow-related trips to the Temple for Paul and the other four men] were almost ended when some Jews from the province of Asia saw....."
"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the..."
"[Jesus continued,] "If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you..."
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.
![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.](https://img.heartlight.org/overlazy/creations/698.jpg "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.")
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