Kathi Pelton

September marks a time of changing seasons. It is the gateway of Fall; weather turns brisk, sweaters come out of the closet and leaves begin to change colors.

It always feels like a time where we begin to nestle together inside of our dwelling places— a time to find HOME again.

For me, the word “dwell” comes to mind when September arrives. Family gatherings will begin to be planned and all of the outdoor beauty that weve enjoyed for months is recreating inside with cozy blankets and harvest colors.

In my home September is the time when pumpkin candles are lit, muffins are cooking in the oven and red leaves are imprinted on the bottom of our shoes. Home becomes a place to dwell together and slow down.

Did you know that the Holy Spirit loves it when we prepare our hearts as His home to dwell in? Just like my family loves the preparations in our physical home for each new season, so does the Holy Spirit love it when we prepare a home for Him to dwell in…a heart that welcomes him in.

Ephesians 2:22
And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Isn’t it amazing that God lives in us by His Spirit! We can be both deliberate and excited about preparing the home in our hearts for Him. What are some things that He loves?

~ Unity
~ Humility
~ Mercy
~ Forgiveness
~ Thanksgiving/Gratitude
~ Purity

And so much more!

As you prepare your home for fall also remember to prepare your heart for the Lord to dwell in. Make it a place that He loves and finds a true home within.

One year during the holiday season, I was up in the middle of the night and suddenly was overtaken by the presence of God. As I stood looking at our dimly lit home I heard Him say to me, “I love your home and how you prepare it with such care.”

I was immediately overwhelmed with His pleasure and what he said was the best compliment I have ever received. Then He added the words, “I love the home you’ve prepared in your heart for me as well.”

Wow, I was speechless.

Sometimes it is easier to prepare my home than to prepare my heart but it is actually the work of His Spirit that prepares my heart— I merely need to invite him in and yield to His handiwork.

May God be able to say these words to each of us, “I love your heart and how we prepare it together with such care.” As we prepare our homes for family this fall may we also prepare our hearts for God to feel at home within us.

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SOW A SEED FOR YOUR HARVEST