The Things We Leave Behind

As I write this, I have been forced into my office upstairs while carpet is being installed throughout the bottom floor of our home. Eleven years of living has made way into the fibers of those dilapidated, stained and tired fibers; It was due time to upgrade to something fresh--with greater quality than the builders originally installed.

Like with used carpet, life makes an imprint in the places we live. With so many ghost hunter-related shows filling our cable channels, we see that not only are our homes filled with our earthly stuff, but apparently our living spaces retain a bit of spiritual energy, too. I have been in places where there is a distinct vibe present--either negative or positive--rarely neutral. I must say I enjoy watching some of the ghost-oriented shows and have seen some pretty astonishing things. As a Christian, I believe in eternal life (life after death), and I believe that through our decision to acknowledge Christ as Savior here on earth, we will, therefore, find an eternal home with Him in Heaven, waiting on the other side of life.

I don't know the full explanation of why supernatural phenomena happens on earth (and I'll remain a skeptic, for the most part, as to most claims), but I have to say I believe there are evil spirits roaming the earth whose sole purpose is to lead people away from God.

For this reason, every time a family member moves into a new place, I like to bring anointing oil to dab over each doorway and accompany it with a prayer of consecration and protection for the inhabitants. To some this may seem extreme but, as a Christ-follower, I am convinced that humans are vulnerable to evil even though they may believe it doesn't exist.

As the guys haul away the old, dirty carpet to the dump, I know that love, grace and redemption remains in every fiber of our home. We made a choice eleven years ago when we bought this place that Christ would be Lord of this place. I know He makes Himself known to all who come through our door. I bet you'll feel it if you come for a visit.