Trinity

When the prophet Isaiah called the promised Messiah the ‘Everlasting Father’–a surprising thing to call a little child–what did he mean? How might this title illuminate our understanding of who God is and the hope he offers, even for those who have a complicated history with their own fathers.

The “Fruit of the Spirit” is not a moral, to-do list, but a pastoral reminder of what life lived with God’s Spirit will look like. Pray these words just as we practice these truths.

As a light bulb finds a current from outside its glass case, we find real power from beyond ourselves. The Spirit of God is the source of all true freedom.

Paul’s second and final prayer for the people in Ephesus asks them to see that the highest ambition of our faith is to know and experience the limitless love of God. While beyond our ability to fully comprehension, God’s love holds the power to transform us at the very root of our being.

How do we deal with discouragement? How do we make sense of our suffering? Paul interrupts himself in this very autobiographical and pastoral segment to share the secret to these age-old struggles.