God's Holy Fire: 'Follow the Spirit'

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin's control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.
— Romans 8:3-4 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus paid the price for sin and ended sin's control over us and over our destiny. No words can adequately thank Jesus for the price he paid and the gift he gave. His purpose was to free us to live by the Spirit - the Holy Spirit he pours out on us when we come to him and are reborn into a new life (Titus 3:3-7). The real question you and I face each day is whether we will consciously, intentionally, and prayerfully seek to follow the Spirit.

Today's Prayer

Righteous Father, I confess that I often don't consciously engage my heart and mind around the leadership of the Spirit in my life. Please remind me each day of this need that I have. Please make your Spirit's presence tangibly real as I commit to depending upon his leadership more and more in my daily life. In Jesus' name, I ask for this grace. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

14 Related Resources by Heartlight

Romans 8:3-4
Devo: Today's Verse
"For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin..."
Romans 8:3-4
Devo: Today's Verse
"For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin..."
Romans 8:3-4
Devo: Today's Verse
"For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin..."
He Sent His Son
Illustration of Romans 8:3
Inspirational illustration of Romans 8:3 -- For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man,
See All 14 Related Resources about Romans 8:3-4

Illustration

Illustration of Romans 8:3-4 NLT — He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Miguel de Unamuno:
"Cure yourself of the condition of bothering about how you look to other people. Be concerned only . . . with the idea God has of you."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'He Does Not Ignore Their Cries' (Ps. 9:11-12)
"Sing praises to the Lord who reigns ... Tell the world about his unforgettable deeds. For he who avenges murder cares for the helpless. He does not..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Wanting Jesus for the Wrong Reasons'
"The next day the crowd that had stayed on the far shore saw that the disciples had taken the only boat, and they realized Jesus had not gone with..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Dead to the World'
"Dear Disciple, Don't fall in love with what cannot ultimately satisfy or eternally sustain you. Many around you chase after things that do not last....."

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