“There’s nothing worse than insecurity. So many people live in fear because they are uncertain about what comes next and their standing before God, if they even believe in God. On the flip side, there’s nothing better than being absolutely sure that the most powerful Being in the universe adores you as His own child. This is precisely the confidence the Holy Spirit offers us.” – 103

“…why do you desire the Holy Spirit’s activity in your life? …. The Holy Spirit is not a commodity to be bought or traded according to our individual wants, whims, or even our felt needs. We absolutely cannot have this discussion about the Holy Spirit without calling our motives into question.” – 84.

“If the Holy Spirit dwells within you, a number of things should be a part of your life.” (FG, 74) We can confidently ask God for these things, mindful that we are “asking God for things that God promises us in the Bible.” (FG, 77) God wants us to be filled with His Spirit and to benefit from that filling in tangible ways.

The Holy Spirit “… is incomprehensible, incomparable, and unlike any other being. He is outside our realm of existence and, thus, outside our ability to categorize Him.” (FG, 66) Nevertheless, as we grow in our faith, grow in our understanding of who the Holy Spirit is.

“If it’s true that the Spirit of God dwells in us and that our bodies are the Holy Spirit’s temple, then shouldn’t there be a huge difference between the person who has the Spirit of God living inside of him or her and the person who does not?” (FG, 32)

The key to staying connected with God is in obeying His commands. It isn’t complicated, but it is difficult. Obeying God means putting following what He wants and subordinating your own desires and plans to his. It also means loving people who might not be easy to love. But, as you do that, you will discover a life of love, joy and friendship.

Our approach to spiritual fruitfulness is significantly affected by our American ethos. We think: produce. God has a different definition of fruitfulness that isn’t focused on being productive, but on being present. God wants you and I to stay connected. When we do, our lives will become characterized by fruitfulness just like a branch that stays connected to the vine is fruitful.

In ancient Israel, the only way for one to be connected to God was to be a part of the people of Israel. There was no other way to experience connection with God. For us, the way is Jesus. He is the vine through which we can experience oneness with God. There is no other way. “No external qualification can set a man right with God; only the friendship of Jesus Christ can do that.” (Warren Wiersbe)

Is there a job more demanding than being a dad? Not to diminish mothering, but it sometimes feels like moms are born with an inherent sense of how motherhood works. Dads don’t always get that. In fact, our view of fathering is shaped by the father we had or, in many cases, didn’t have. In a world where dads feel incredible pressure to get it right, it’s good to know that presence if more important than perfection.

Author Alex Haley wrote, “Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children.” Stardust aside, he is right. Grandparents have one advantage over parents: they have enough wisdom to know how best to bless their grandchildren and enough time to do it. Their example of faith is amplified when they finish well.