Andy Hall writes:
“Faith that gets beyond the church carpark!”
Many of experience “experience fade” as time passes. On Sunday night we feel full of faith and power, but these sensations tend to fade with time. So how can we develop a 24-7 sense of the anointing of the Holy Spirit? Are we ones who bask in the glory of God in corporate worship which soon fades or are we ones that carry our own internal fire of the Spirit?
Firstly, we must look after our heart; the parable of the Sower in Luke 18 tells us that those with a good and noble heart produce a load of fruit. Is my heart soft or hard towards the things of God? Is it good soil for the seed of God to fall into? Pain, disappointment, disobedience, disillusionment can cause me to harden and protect my heart to such an extent that the word of God can’t take root or endure in my life. It starts well but soon fades.
Secondly, we need to develop a teachable heart. Are we hungry and receptive for God’s words. After a sermon God’s word lays on the surface as a seed in a field. The birds of the air can come and steal it if we don’t learn to grab it and bring it from the outside to the inside of us. That which we plant will take root and produce a great harvest in our lives.
Thirdly, to grow in our awareness of God’s purpose for our lives helps us to stay connected to God’s Spirit and power. To do this we need a functioning prophetic compass. Paul tells Timothy that the prophetic words he received would guide him in his walk with God 1Timothy1:18.
In Proverbs 29:18 we are told that when revelation (prophesy) is lacking people wander off their path. Prophetic revelatory words over my life are essential to keep the flame alive in the hard times, the in-between times, and the opposition times. When we are knocked over by circumstance the prophetic words, I have received help me get back up and orientate me as to the way forward.
Our prayer should be Lord give me a soft teachable heart and clearly tell me where I should be or should go. People who follow these principles tend to be more aware of the Spirit’s empowering presence in their lives.
Andy Hall Associate Minster CCBN