Scarlett Payne, our FP intern for the year, has recently provided us with her latest update on what God is teaching her…
Although, unlike many, I am fortunate to have a physical home, I have realised this month just how important it is to be spiritually at home with my Father (1 John 5:18). For if I am at home spiritually, I find peace no matter where I am, and I am less likely to fall into any bad habits that the comfort of a physical home can encourage.
For example, sometimes my prayer at home can be so relaxed that I fall asleep, or end my time resting with God much earlier so that I can watch a film, or do something else I know needs doing that day (Luke 22:40-46). This can stop me from obeying God's call to intercessory prayer and opening my eyes to the plans for Kingdom breakthrough He wishes to show me (Mark 13:35-37).
Below is a table I noted down earlier in May, when I realised the importance of being spiritually at home:
Table 1. Traits of being physically at home vs. spiritually at home.
Now, this is not to say that we shouldn't enjoy the blessings of a physical home! Or that we can't be spiritually at home when also physically at home. Only to share the warning God has given me when attempting to take rest with Him in my house, without first being in tune with His Spirit.
"By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you." (2 Timothy 1:14)
God gives good gifts, including houses, to His children, and it is through grace that we receive them. But I also pray for us that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with our spirits (Philemon 1:25). So that we may know the thoughts of God and walk in His truths (1 Corinthians 2:10-13). It is only through the Spirit that we can be rooted in God's peace, which acts as a witness to the lost (Hebrews 12:14-15).
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:26-27)
Jesus has given all believers the opportunity to be more spiritual than human (1 Corinthians 3:16). There are times in my life when I've been in conversation with someone and God has said more through me than I could possibly think-up. Or times I'm physically and mentally exhausted yet, through prayer, received supernatural strength to go on. This is the power of God's Holy Spirit in me, and I am recharged by that; filled with faith in Jesus and knowing the fullness of life with Him.
No wonder when having conversations not revolving around Jesus I feel them to be pointless - what is life without Him? As David Campbell shared with us last Sunday (19th), he feels most alive when being used by God! Jesus needs to be glorified in everything, for we are nothing without Christ. Lift Him high I say!
Finally, Exodus 33:14 says:
"My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
The Holy Spirit is not something to be achieved through striving, but is available through faith in Jesus Christ alone. It is only through acknowledging the Holy Spirit, who is given to all when they first believe, that we are able to know and do God's perfect will for us.
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What a great update - Thanks Scarlett!
As many of you may already be aware, this summer, Scarlett is going to Albania. Who with? What to do? How can I help? These questions and more are answered in Scarlett's recent post for our website.