Spread abroad to the right and to the left

“Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, and your offspring will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities.” Isaiah 54: 2, 3

So an individual’s cognitive interpretations of situations cannot be fully explained.  How does a mind leap from bullock to bullock and then into action?

I wasn’t getting Isaiah 54 this morning.  So I googled.  And ended up surrounded by Global Day of Prayer people who have claimed these verses as their very own, as they lay claim against the powers and principalities for the cities and souls of the world.  And then, next thing I knew, I had ridden my little bike to Himmel Park, to the hill just east of the tennis courts, watching the sunrise reflect off the Catalinas and the wind tossle the palm fronds while Mike Birrer and his cadre of faithful and very humble few read Luke and Acts out loud through a small sound system.  

And as I sat in a folding chair and listened, I marveled at the intertwined beauty of the story of God seeking His beloved.  The oh-so-familiar words took on fresh meaning through the perspective of Isaiah.  No wonder the angels were amazed at the shall we say, unusual, love that God has for mankind, as to send His Son into the world, to seek and to save that which was lost.  “Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace” looks differently as the rising sun reaches across the dark patches of shadows as traffic builds up, rushing up and down Speedway Boulevard.

What sweet, sweet prayers were lifted up this morning, prayers that echoed the tender heart of the Father, tender hearts of repentance.  And what are the fruits keeping with repentance?  John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”

Ah.  And as Alan and I bustle about, raking and sweeping, preparing to share our food with the Carlos Arzate fairly leftist Three-Course Discourse in our backyard tonight, and his “Tired of talking points?  Worried about the future of the United States, Arizona and your community.  Be the change you want to see and join in our discussion on our current state of affairs,” it is very clear that the Spirit is on the move.  Almost two years ago, September 9, 2010, Carlos wrote on my Facebook page, "If your serving scotch at your next bible study I would be glad to join you : ]"

And he was added to my prayer list.

So with curiosity and expectation, I look to the movement and power of the Spirit.  Sweeping across the city of Tucson, the state of Arizona, the United States, the world.  And across my very own backyard, with the twinkly lights and just-sprouting ears of corn.  Who knows what tonight will bring?