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.

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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

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalm 121:1-2
"I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Jesus, Pioneer of Salvation' (He. 2:5-13)
"Dear Father, King of all, Thank you for subjecting the world to come to our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you that Jesus was willing for a time to be made..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by St. Cyprian:
"No one is safe by his own strength, but he is safe by the grace and mercy of God."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Do as I Have Done to You!' (Jn. 13:12-15)
"After washing [the disciples'] feet, [Jesus] put on his robe again and sat down and asked, "Do you understand what I was doing? You call me 'Teacher'...."

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.

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