Just got done reading Francis Chan’s newest title Forgotten God.  A beautiful read.  I was energized through nearly every chapter as if the Holy Spirit (aka forgotten God) were Himself speaking to me.  I can’t deny – there were some heavy convictions in this book.  But there was more joy.  In some ways it felt like I was reading about the Holy Spirit for the first time.  The reason this is a must read for everyone – it will illuminate your walk with Jesus.
My cliff notes include pages of quotes from the book.  From those, I wanted to focus on just a couple.

“Without the Holy Spirit, people operate in their own strength and only accomplish human-size results.”

I’d rather not admit that most of my life exists in my human nature.  As is true for much of my ministry.  As I made my way through the book I was continually enlightened to the strong connection between the Holy Spirit and living by faith.  In fact, I cannot recall a faith based decision I’ve made that didn’t either start with the Holy Spirit or was led in the process by the Holy Spirit.

“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?”

Yes Francis.  Ok, so I suppose it was rhetorical.  But I want to be different.  I want people to sense the Spirit within me.  I want it to be clear to everyone I engage, that the Holy Spirit resides in this 173 pounds temple.  The weight of this statement is colossal for those of us who claim ourselves as saints.  Take away the Holy Spirit and are you the same?  It feeds into the body of Christ as well.  Everything that is wrong with the Church today gives strength to this statement above.

I’ve discovered in putting the words of Scripture and Chan’s explanation – that it isn’t as hard as it seems – walking in step with the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16).  It’s a matter of tuning in, and then following through.  May you discover the joy and the power of taking baby steps.  May we be recognized by the God-in-us.