1Corinthians 2:1-5; Psalm 119:97-102; Luke 4:16-30

resolving
to know nothing
but Christ crucified
vulnerable
painful
confused
we bring our lives
to Him
and enter
the holy waters-
cleansed
our hearts know
the Holy Spirit
upon us
bringing good news
of God’s love
loving God’s law
and commands
we meditate
and pray
each day
walking through
the trouble times
with His peace

Does your faith rest on the power of God?
Do you experience the Holy Spirit upon you?

Jeremiah 20: 7-9; Psalm 63; Romans 12: 1-2; Mt 16: 21-27

our hearts
a burning fire
shut up
in bones
thirsting
for God’s will
we present
ourselves
as a living
sacrifice
to be
transformed
renewed
by what
is good
and perfect
letting nothing
or anyone
stand
in our way
we give all
to follow
this love

Do you feel the fire of God’s love in your bones?
Do you let your very self be transformed by it?

Memorial of the Passion of John the Baptist
Mark 6:17-19

in fear
of another’s thoughts
and opinion
we do
what we do not wish
disregarding
the voice
of Wisdom
within
that asks for pause
and contemplation
of our greatest gift
of undying love
capable
of reaching
beyond enmity
creating a peace
that only heaven
knows

Where do you find wisdom?
Do you pause to hear Wisdom’s voice?
Do you trust what you hear?
Do you dare to love your enemy

1Cor 1:17-25; Psalm 33:1-5,10-11; Matthew 25:1-13

praying
to be seen
to be known
praying
that we never hear
I do not know you
by the One
who is love
praying
not to be left
behind
that we always carry
what is essential
with us

What is this essential oil we cannot share?
Do you fear not being known?
Do you feel the anguish of being left out or left behind?

Cor 1:1-9; Psalm 145:2-7; Matthew 24:42-51

we hear
His words
to stay awake
for His coming
is now
in every
spiritual gift
given
day to day
for our blessing
and blessing others
with God’s goodness
imparted to us
as we sing
of God’s justice
and mercy
kindness
compassion
and love
never giving up hope
in God’s presence

Are you awake to God’s word?
Does God’s word bless your day?
Do you bless others?

Matthew 23:27-32

you search us
you know us
there is
nowhere
to run
or fly
or hide
from your love
shining
into the dark tomb
of us
you bring
Light
to where
there was
none
enlightened
we see
what has always been
what will always be
a pure love
and we lay down
our arms
and live
in your mercy
goodness
and kindness

Where do you try to run and hide?
Have you experienced his light shining within you?
Have you laid down your arms?

2Thes 2:1-3,14-17; Psalm 96:10-13; Matthew 23:23-26

God’s word
living and effective
discerns
the reflections
and thoughts
of our heart
cleansing us
within
and without
clearing our vision
setting us free
to see love
at work in the world
encouraging us
day by day
through grace
we turn away from blind guides
and serve the God of love

Is God’s word living and effective in your love?
Who do you serve?

Revelations 21:9b-14; Psalm 145:10-18; John 1:45-51

leaving
our fear
and anxiety
we come
and see
the One
with no
duplicity
and are
witness
to the
undivided heart
that sees
the glory
and splendor
of God
the angels
among us
at work
we behold
we listen
we follow
and give thanks

Can you let go of fear and anxiety?
Do you experience the glorious splendor of God

Isaiah 22:15,19-23; Psalm 138: 1-8; Romans 11: 33-36; Mt 16: 13-20

like a peg
in a sure spot
our love
is secure
in the living God-
asked
who we are
we see
our own
salvation
and follow
surely
securely
in this love
freely given
not forsaking
the hands
that have made us
but trusting
and giving thanks

How do you think God sees you?
Who do you say Jesus is?

Ez 43:1-7; Psalm 85:9-14; Matthew 23:1-12

God’s glory
shown
our spirit
lifted
a voice
speaks
of a peace
and kindness
we long for
not shrouded
in formality
as a heavy burden
but in the freedom
found
in the love
and care
of one another
this
is what we serve

Do you experience the freedom of God’s love in one another?
Who is Christ in your life?