God's Holy Fire: 'God's Children'

Thursday, April 16, 2026

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
— Romans 8:16 NIV

Key Thought

We can believe that we are God's children. We can think it. We can desire it with all of our hearts. We can pray for it. But, the real validation happens when the Holy Spirit joins with the spirit inside of each of us to speak to God, the Father of all grace. The Spirit's words are simple, "O Father, hear the heart of your child!" The Spirit then makes clear the emotions and needs of the believer in that moment.

God, the Holy Spirit lives inside each disciple. He intercedes for us when we pray even when we don't have words to say what our hearts yearn to express (Romans 8:26-27). The Spirit's presence in us is one of the proofs that we are children of God (Romans 8:9). In the presence of God, there is no doubt that we are God's children and co-heirs with the Prince of heaven (Romans 8:17). Such truth should make our hearts soar with confidence in our future with God!

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for giving us such sweet assurance! I am thankful to know that there is no doubt that I belong to you; the presence of the Holy Spirit within me, the Spirit's intercession for me, and the testimony of the Spirit to you that I am your child give me this assurance. For this gift of grace, and thousands of others, I thank you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

26 Related Resources by Heartlight

Romans 8:15-16
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 Spirit..."
Romans 8:16-17
Devo: Today's Verse
"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if...."
Co-Heirs with Christ
Illustration of Romans 8:16-17
Inspirational illustration of Romans 8:16-17 -- The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs —- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that
Heirs of God's Glory
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are..."
See All 26 Related Resources about Romans 8:16

Illustration

Illustration of Romans 8:16 NIV — The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, April 16, 2026

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Time to Pray' (Ep. 6:18-19)
"Dear Father, May I fill my time with prayer and entreaties to you. Help me to keep alert for prayer. And to keep on, and keep on, and keep on. I..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Ephesians 4:3
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'The Third Denial' (Jn. 18:26-27)
"[After Peter's second denial of Jesus,] one of the household slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked,..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'This Is the Truth!' (Acts 24:14-16)
"[In responding to the accusations made against him, Paul denied they were true, and then went on to say:] "But I admit that I follow the Way, which....."

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