Passage of the Day:
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God, Romans 8:22-27.
Reflection:
In the beginning of Romans 8, the apostle Paul compares and contrasts the sinful nature with the Holy Spirit. The point of this literal exercise concludes with today’s call to action. Yet, Paul writes about how human minds influence the decisions you make on a daily basis. Paul appears to be building upon the words of Jesus in Luke 6:43-45. If mouths speak out of the overflow of human hearts, minds have a similar power to bring your thoughts into existence. The quicker Christians begin to place their hope in God’s Spirit, the sooner lives will begin to flee the bad habits of their past, Colossians 3:5-8.
Prayerful Action:
Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, Romans 8:12-13.
Clinging to a Glimmer of Hope this Fall:
When trials in life place you into a difficult situation, you have one of three decisions to make. You can trust in your own judgement, lean on a close friend or place your hope in God’s Spirit to guide you in your decision-making process. Just before my senior year of college, I laid in my bed at home with a broken ankle. It was during this time when God revealed to me my obligation as a Christian to live according to the Holy Spirit. The hope of God’s Spirit is conceived as Christians place their trust in God. In return, the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart and soul, guiding you toward God’s will.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
The Holy Spirit serves Christians like a spiritual compass. As you place your hope in God’s Spirit, may you find yourself home, back toward God’s will for your life.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 