Crossing Over

Not long ago, my wife Jill and I were house hunting. We came across a lovely house on the edge of town. It was perfect. The rooms were spacious and the kitchen was just what we wanted, with a patio and an attractive garden at the back. On the way out I remember we were both very quiet. Then Jill asked me, “What do you think?”  “I don’t like it,” I said. “Neither do I,” she said. It seemed perfect, yet we sensed in our spirits something was wrong. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8).

We live near the border between Scotland and England. One day, while walking in the hills, we found ourselves by the side of a low wire fence. On checking our map, we realised this was the dividing boundary between the two countries. We stopped for a moment and wondered what it would be like walking on the other side of the fence. We crossed over, but immediately had a distinct feeling of unease. On one side all seemed peaceful, but the other side felt uncomfortable and slightly hostile. Scotland and England have a history of violence, and this must have been reflected in our spirit as we crossed over from one side to the other. ‘Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them’ (Ephesians 5:11).

I remember leading a prayer meeting at home with a few friends from church. The praying stopped and a powerful silence filled the room. The presence of God was tangible. I was aware of a deep sense of peace in my heart. No one spoke. I offered a quick prayer to the Lord, “What do we do now, Lord?” There was a distinct reply, “Just enjoy it.” And we did, for some time, until someone went up to the piano and began to play. The presence faded.

The Holy Spirit is very real, and comes when we least expect Him, but we must be prepared and ready to receive Him. ‘Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water’ (Hebrews 10:22).

We occasionally visit friends who live about two hours away. We share a meal together and enjoy each another’s company in the presence of the Lord, sharing what He’s been doing in our lives. Then our friend usually picks up his guitar and begins to play some worship songs. One of us will say a short prayer, then another will give a Bible reading. Then we will have more worship in the presence and the glory of the Lord. We sense His Spirit moving among us, and joy and peace fills the room. “Where two or three gather together in my name, there I am in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).

We drive home with the feeling we’ve been in Church, real Church, with God Himself.