Dt. 30:1-14; Psalm 69:14-37; Colossians 1:15-20; Luke 10: 25-37

before all else
beyond all else
within all
there is Christ
image of
the invisible God
we are in awe
the thought
the reality
of Him
makes us soar
we see
from mountaintops
all that is
and our hearts
are brought
to love
His law
written within
we love
with all our heart
and soul
and strength
and mind
alive
within us
we proclaim
from our lips
we travel roads
with this love
to the need
of life
to our neighbor
who is all

Do you experience Christ who is before, beyond and within all?
Do you take His law of love into your heart?
Do you take this love to your neighbor?

Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 63:1-2,5; Matthew 10:24-33

fearing
what would
destroy
our soul
we peer
into the darkness
and find
the voice
of Light
whispering
of a healing
Presence
that touches
our lips
and we proclaim
the Truth
of a Love
without condition
existing
for its own
Goodness
indestructible
in Him

What Light do you find in the darkness?
What Truth?

Hosea 14:2-10; Psalm 51:3-4,8-9,12-14,17; Matthew 10:16-23

persevering
to the end
we are
saved
by our devotion
to mercy
and love
a forgiveness
that grows us
more humane
in our reaching
sustaining us
through
a willing Spirit
turning us
to the purifying
Light
of God’s love

To what are you devoted?
Are you sustained by the Holy Spirit?

Hosea 11:1-9; Psalm 80:2-3,15-16; Matthew 10:7-15

freely
we give
what has been
given
curing
cleansing
healing
even as
the one who
receives
does not know
the healer
has come
taking care
of the child
the vine
that was planted
knowing
the heaven
that is here

Do you know the heaven that is here?

Hosea 10:1-3,7-12; Psalm 105:2-7; Matthew 10:1-7

seeking
the Lord
we break
into
a new field
sowing
justice
reaping
the fruit
of reverence
answering
His call
to love
and serve
our hearts
sing
of the heaven
at hand

What do you sow?
What do you reap?

Hosea 8:4-7,11-13; Psalm 115:4-10; Matthew 9:32-38

sowing
the wind
we reap
the whirlwind
of destruction
worshipping
gold and silver
selling
love
eyes that see not
ears that hear not
noses that smell not
we become
the death
we create
until
touched
by the incarnate word
of God
alive
breathing
seeing
hearing
walking
upon the earth
we take His hand
and live

Have you touched the incarnate word of God?

Hosea 2:16-22; Psalm 145:2-9; Matthew 9:18-26

knowing
the Lord
we experience
healing
mercy
justice
faithful
and love
speaking
to our heart
we are raised
from death
to Life
where
kindness
and compassion
live
one touch
one word
and our soul
is healed

Do you know the Lord?

Isaiah 66:1-14; Psalm 66:1-7,16,20; Galatians 6:14-18; Luke 10:1-20

like lambs
among wolves
we journey
with only
His living word
no walking stick
no traveling bag
no sandals
no room
for illusion
we speak only
His Truth
His Peace
His reign at hand
our eyes fixed
on heaven
through the cross
we bear the marks
yet still
we rejoice
and cry out
to see
what God
has done
in kindness
and mercy
we are created anew
we drink
from God’s love
knowing nothing
of our own glory
in deed
for all is gift
and given
in His freedom and love

Does your nourishment come from God?
Do you carry God’s living presence of peace and mercy?

Amos 9:11-15; Psalm 85:9-14; Matthew 9:14-17

celebrating
the newness
of the day
pouring
ourselves
into a life
given
for goodness
we are released
from old wounds
and deprivations
letting go
of expectations
experiencing
the moment
when kindness and Truth
meet
when justice
and peace kiss
the Truth
springs out
of the earth
and justice
walks upon the land

Do you celebrate the newness of this day?
Do you celebrate the newness of this moment?

Amos 8:4-6,9-12; Psalm 119:2,10,20,30,40,131; Matthew 9:9-13

a sinner
called
we feel
the mercy
of God
the relief
of seeing
misguided ways
and being
renewed
in One
whose
Holy Spirit
we follow
with all
of our heart
spared
the day
when there
is famine
for the word
of God
we listen

Can you imagine a famine of the word of God?
Do you feel the relief of knowing what you need?