picturesfromheaven

"Let's Dance"

It's been an interesting month. But aren't they all? I went to my mom's in the Detroit area to help her with household things, where I had an altercation with a bagel knife. I lost. A trip to the emergency room, to the doctors and twice to a specialist and my finger is finally on the mend. Just still not up for a lot of typing. My daughter went to Uganda. I'm getting ready to lead a team to the Philippines. We had our annual leadership retreat. Lots and lots of work for that one, but oooh sooo worth it. I've preached at all three campuses. Okay...I'll stop. I know your list is as long as mine. But these word pictures really spoke to my heart in all the busyness. I pray it talks to your heart as well.

“Let’s Dance” – Three Pictures

Picture…while worshipping the Lord with my eyes closed I heard the Lord say, “Let’s Dance.” He then showed me a series of pictures involving people dancing. This first picture was of a young man on a crowded dance floor, who was obviously dancing alone. There was a four-foot buffer zone around him because everyone was giving him wide berth to keep from being hit in his “enthusiastic” dance style. His arms were flailing around with no particular rhythm or movement. He was spinning, stomping, kicking and jumping around like he had “ants in his pants,” like my mother used to say. Just watching him for a moment was exhausting.

Hear…the Lord say, “That is not what I had in mind. I want you to take my hand that is extending to you and allow ME to lead. I want to teach you the steps to the dance I choreographed just for you. But I also want to you to get accustomed to following my lead. I want you to partner with me in prayer and ministry. I don’t want you going off on your own and expending all your energy in such an ineffective manner. I never asked you to do it on your own. I want you to take my hand and follow my lead in a dance that will cause you to be effective in my kingdom and in life.”

***

Picture…the next picture was of elegantly clad couple dancing a waltz a candle lit ballroom. There were other dancers but I could not take my eyes off this pair. It wasn’t just the dashing tuxedo of the gentleman or shimmering gown and dazzling jewels of the lady that drew my attention. It was the look on their faces. There was such a look of rapture on their faces that I was almost embarrassed to watch. It felt like I was intruding on a very private moment, not that they would have noticed for they only had eyes for each other. Their love was radiating so strong and pure that it was almost a tangible thing.

Hear…the Lord say, “There are those who are aching and hurting today. Your pain is real, but my love will wipe the tears from your eyes and the dull pain throbbing in your chest. Step into my arms and allow me to hold you close. Allow me to embrace you and drive all thoughts of hopelessness from your mind. I love you. I ache with the love that I bear for you. Don’t stay huddled alone in your pain. Step into my arms and let me sweep you away to a place where I can show you my love without disruption. There is too much hurt all around. Step away with me. Dance with me. Let me love you.”

***

Picture…The last picture was of a couple swing dancing. It was just as full of energy as the first guy, but their movements were perfectly timed. Every movement was well executed from the woman jumping into the man’s arms to her slide on the floor between his legs. My first thought was, “Wow, these guys are in good shape.” I couldn’t imagine such sustained physical exertion. Then I thought, “Dancing is definitely not for sissies.” It was so cool.

Hear…the Lord say, “They didn’t just get on the floor yesterday. They have been practicing and practicing. They have practiced so hard and for so long that they have begun anticipating each other’s moves and can improvise. There are those who have been following my lead in the dance of life for a while now. They have been learning to follow my lead from a simple hand gesture to a complex move. They have no thoughts about what they want or what they are going to do. They know strictly to follow my lead. It has been a long and difficult journey. Learning the steps has been difficult. But it is time now for their reward. It is ‘SHOW TIME.’ Because of their faithfulness, because they have followed me every step, I am now going to release the miraculous into their lives. Doors previously shut will be opened. Weariness will dissipate. Prayers prayed for years will be answered. They have danced with me consistently and I trust them. Yes, I know that they trust me, but I also trust them. I know that they will obey me in all ways. Do you think that I was surprised by Abraham’s obedience in bringing his son to me for sacrifice? No, I knew that it was time. I knew that he would pass the test. He faltered some along the way, but he learned his lessons. So have you. Look forward to the dawn of a new season of fruitfulness and prosperity as you continue to follow my lead.”

Consider: The Lord has said it all, and said it quite clearly. There is nothing for me to explain or add. I would just encourage you to meditate on the word that applies to you.

Pray: “Oh sweet Lord, Lover of my soul. My heart is so full I can barely speak let alone pray. I love you so much, and I am beginning to understand your great love for me. You love me when I’ve ‘blown it’ and you love me when I am hurting. You love me when I’ve kept in step with you and you love me when I’ve missed my cue. I’ve been rather disturbed today about a number of things, but your love has made all those things seem so unimportant now. Thank you for being patient with me. Thank you for comforting me. Thank you for your promise of victory. You are my heart. You are my joy. You are my victory. I want to follow you so closely that I anticipate your direction and meet you there. I want to be obedient in every little thing. I want to please you above anything else in this world. Help me to do that. Help me to please you. Help me to follow your every lead. In Jesus Name, Amen.”

posted by pastorc @ 8:20 PM