What follows is a collage of quotes from Francis Chan’s book Forgotten God.  As believers, we know we have the Holy Spirit, but we often don’t recognize how amazing it is that the Spirit lives in us.  I hope this collection of quotes helps change that for you.

“Serving God and living faithfully can become a constant guilt trip of ‘trying harder’ and ‘doing better next time’.  …Though I do not believe God gives us His Spirit solely for our personal benefit, it is undeniable that one of the greatest aspects of being in relationship with the Holy Spirit is the intimacy, security, and encouragement He brings us.  It is then we can serve God as a beloved child rather than a stressed-out, guilt-ridden slave.” 

“Have you ever thought about what it means to be ‘known’?  Though I’d been telling people for years that I ‘knew’ God, only recently have I explored the concept of being ‘known’ by Him.  It’s breathtaking to picture almighty God saying, ‘I know Francis Chan.  He’s my son.  I love him!’  Are you confident this is what God would say if I asked Him about you?  Do you know God or just know about Him?  Are you acquaintances or intimate friends?” 

Chan asks about what keeps us from experiencing intimacy with the Holy Spirit.  “Maybe it is that your life is too safe and comfortable.  Why would we need to experience the Comforter if our lives are already comfortable?  It is those who put their lives at risk and suffer for the gospel (Phil. 1:29) who will most often experience His being ‘with you always, even to the end of the age’ (Matt. 28:20 NASB).  …if we are never alone or feeling like we need Him, how much do we care or need to know that God is with us?” 

“Maybe it is because your life is too loud.  In my quest to accomplish much, I’ve lost the art of focusing on one thing or one person.  This in turn has affected my prayer life, as I’m sure it has affected yours.  I find it harder to simply be with Him…  Our lack of intimacy often is due to our refusal to unplug and shut off communication from all others so we can be alone with Him.” 

“It makes sense that Jesus would say it’s to our advantage to have this ‘other Counselor.’  After all, Jesus merely walked beside the disciples; the Spirit would actually enter their human bodies (John 14:17).  You’ve probably heard this truth a hundred times, but have you marveled at it?  Would you be willing to take thirty seconds right now just to dwell on the fact that God is in you?” 

“Tell God that you want intimacy with Him, no matter what, even if it necessitates suffering on your part.  When this relationship with Him is as it should be, there is nothing more satisfying or meaningful.”