Neh 8 2-6; 8-10; Psalm 19:8-10, 15; Cor 12:12-30; Luke: 1:1-4, 4:14-21

one body
made
we breathe
one spirit
moving
within His ways
our heart beats
our eyes see
our hands hold
His love
passed from one
another
His law en-fleshed
our hearts rejoice
His pure sight
enlightens
and weeping
is no more
we feast
with Him
sending portions
to those who
have nothing
setting free
the captives
setting liberty for
the oppressed
this joy of the Lord
our strength

Is his joy your strength?
Can you see with His eyes?
Is His law alive in your heart?

2Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12,19,13-27; Psalm 80: 2-3,5-7; Mark 3:2-21

fed on the bread
of tears
our heart
and minds
are closed
until His love
and healing
find us
out of his mind
into the mind of God
we know
our place
beloved
and cherished
where neither
life or death
can separate us
from God’s
loving care

Is your mind open to the mind of God?

1Samuel 24:3-21; Psalm 57: 2-4; 6 and 11; Mark 3:13-19

in mercy
we are called
and follow
emptying
ourselves
of all enmity
anger
and jealousy
forgiving all
for the sake
of God’s love
that has come to us
freely

How do you give and receive mercy?

1Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7; Psalm 56:1-3,9-13; Mark 3:7-12

we see
what we need
and follow
freedom
from sin
suffering
and death
as we reach out
to a knowing source
pressing
upon him
wisdom speaks
and we are touched
by the light
of the living God
jealousy
and fears
cease
as we live
in the trust
of God

Are you touched by the freedom of God’s living light?

1Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-52; Psalm 144: 1,2,9-10, Mark 3:1-6

heart
and hand
withered
from war
and strife
we stretch out
our hand
to His healing
restored
we leave behind
our hardened hearts
and enter
the spaciousness
of God’s kingdom
where a new song
of freedom
is heard

Do you accept the healing that will set you free?

1Samuel 16:7

Not as a man sees
does God see
because man sees
the appearance
but the Lord
looks into the heart.

What is in your heart?

Love
is the only force
capable of
turning an enemy
into a friend.
(MLK)

Love your enemies.

Darkness cannot
drive out darkness;
only light
can do that
Hate cannot
drive out hate
only love
can do that
(MLK)

Love you enemies.

I have decided
to stick
with love.
Hate is too great
a burden
to bear.
(MLK)

Love your enemies.

I believe
that unarmed truth
and unconditional love
will have the final word
in reality.
(MLK)

Love your enemies.

Isaiah 62: 1-5; Ps. 1-3, 7-10; 1 Cor 12: 4-11; John 2: 1-12

a mother
knows
her Son’s time
this water
turned
to wine
a step taken
and we
no longer
desolate
no longer
forsaken
are brought
into the land
of Truth’s
heart
espoused
gifts are given
for the common good
we express
wisdom
and knowledge
faith
and healing
prophecy
gift of tongues
and understanding
spirit enlivens
all with
marvelous deeds
we will not be silent
we are His water
turned to wine

What is your gift?

Death is nothing
I have only slipped away into the next room
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name
Speak to me in the easy way you always used to.

Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.
Let my name be the household word it always was.
Let it be spoken without effort
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
There is absolutely unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of your mind
because I am out of your sight?
I am but waiting for you for an interval
somewhere very near just around the corner.
All is well. Nothing has past. Nothing is lost.

One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
only better, infinitely happier
and forever we will be one together.

Henry Scott Holland

1Samuel 8:4-7,10-22; Psalm 89: 16-19; Mark 2:1-2

lowered
down
into
His Presence
in our infirmity
we are touched
by His light
healed
of all
the distortions
of sin
strengthened
in our humanity
by His Divine embrace
we stand
knowing
no earthly king
can bring
what is ours
through His justice
God’s love
of all

Do you offer yourself to His healing presence?