Abba,
Thank You for Your Almighty presence in my life, especially, even in these times when I am dancing as a child, and in my silliness in playing with Mia (my son's cat), with the tail of the dancing dragon (also my son's possession), as I twirl and skirt in and out of the doorway. She's probably wondering, "What's up with this crazy human? Has she been in my cat nip?!"
Last night in the study, Kathy mentioned the picture of the "laughing Jesus." Remember, Pastor Tom hung one up in the church to "loosen up" the uptight, at times, congregation? I laughed myself at his deep-gutted roars of laughter. Bless him, Father, and remind him of those moments. I know You laugh, Jesus, and I've even envisioned You shaking Your head at my zany antics of praise. I know You dance also. How could You attend the wedding at Cana without "busting a move," as the youngsters say?! I see You! I see You standing behind Rebekah and Peter hanging on my refrigerator door. The only thing missing is Your arms embracing this blessed man and his handmaiden, as he lovingly refers to Rebekah, his covenant bride. Perhaps You were just making them aware of Your presence, but then, You are always with them.
This morning, as I prayed about the overwhelming petitions for prayer, I could sense Your great compassion for these lost and broken people. So many, Abba, so many lost, not realizing their need for You. Not understanding that You want the very best life for them. As I was reading about Saul, the King of Israel, whose pride and impatience cost him dearly, and of Jonathan, his son, who recognized David as Your anointed king, I wondered. When You died, the scriptures say You descended to paradise where you joined the thief on the cross as well as all who had gone before knowing You. You set captivity free that day by announcing to all that You were the Messiah! Imagine the joy of seeing You face to face before they gather in heaven to await Your glorious return!
As I remember others, like Judas, who hung himself he was so grieved by his betrayal, I wonder, was he in paradise that day? Did he become free and forgiven? O, Abba Father, how great has been Your mercy since creation. Continue to show me the faces of the people. The ones who need You so much. So many deceived and broken lives that You wish to gather as the chicken gathers her young. I can see that picture in my mind. I used to feed the chicks for my grandparents. I loved helping them, knowing I was caring for Your creation. Those days were the joy of my youth! But that's another story. For today, I will focus on the prayers.
As I write, the song "There's Nothing" plays softly in the background:
My heart can't help but believe
There's not a mountain that He can't move
Oh, praise the name that makes a way
There's nothing that our God can't do
And just one word and You revive every dream
(That's right)
My heart can't help but believe"
