Job 38:1. 8-11; Ps 107: 23-31; Cor 5: 14-17; Mark 4: 35-41

a new
creation
lives in us
through him
who calms
the raging seas
that filled
our hearts
with fear
and darkness–
we see
his works
and wonders
in the abyss
and stand
in wonder
and awe
of the power
and mystery
that is
beyond us
giving thanks
for his
everlasting
love

Do you experience the power of this mystery?
Do you experience the power of this faith?
Has he calmed the raging sea in your heart?

2Cor 12: 1-10; Psalm 34: 8-13; Matthew: 6: 24-34

in a world
of worry
concern
and fear
for food
and drink
and clothing
and safety
He says
“do not”….

seek first
another
called God
and righteousness
then all
shall be added
to you

How do you seek and serve this kingdom of God?
What is the kingdom of God?

1Cor 11: 18, 21-30; Psalm 34: 2-7; Matthew 6: 19-23

heaven
among us
we seek
our treasure there
not in things
where moth
and decay can destroy
or thieves steal
but in God’s love
and joy
and peace
eternal
patience
kindness
generosity
and compassion
the fruits
of heaven
given
freely
to all

Where does your treasure lie?
Are you grateful in all things?

Matthew 6:7-15

“This is how you are to pray
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name
thy Kingdom come,
thy will be don,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.”

As you forgive, so will you be forgiven.

Do you forgive everything?
By what power do you forgive?

2Cor 9:6-11; Psalm 112:1-9; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

hearts prepared
by grace
we give
cheerfully
from all God
has given
knowing
we have all
we need
scattering seed
sowing abundantly
with no need for show
or reward
only doing
what needs to be done
to care
for God’s world

Are you grateful in all things?
Do you give cheerfully?

2Cor 8:1-9; Psalm 146: 2-9; Matthew 5: 43-48

giving
themselves
first to God
they experienced
joy
and generosity
flowing
even through
their poverty
and affliction
and the miracle
of love
even of enemies
and prayer
for persecutors
for this
we praise
and keep faith
in the Lord
who gives
justice
as love

Do you love your enemies?

2Cor 6:1-10; Psalm 98:1-4; Matthew 5:38-42

now
is the time
to live beyond
our vengeance
letting go
of all
that would keep us
from God’s love
and grace
we embrace
another reality
embedded
within our own
a clear vision
of Truth
enlightened
by the one who knows
no evil
no extra mile
no hardship
or affliction
can separate us
from God’s love

How does God’s love change your mind?

Ez 17:27-24; Psalm 92:2-3,13-16; 2 Cor 5:6-10; Mark 4:26-31

a seed sown
taking root
in God’s time
grows
past our limits
into its enormity
holding all of life
sacred
within it
even in old age
bearing fruit
its branches rejoice
and proclaim
goodness
to the dawn
we walk
in the faith
of the planted seed

Do you have faith in planted seed?
Where does your faith take you?

Luke 2:41-51

seeking Him
in a time
of diversion
from Truth
I will persist
in pondering
God’s words of love
in my heart
whether convenient
or inconvenient
with the Holy Spirit’s help
I will stay awake
to God’s Presence
praising
with music
and song
scripture
and poetry
compassion
and love
that bring forth
God’s joy into my heart

How do you persist in pondering God’s words of love into your heart?

Ephesians 3:14-19

“For this reason I kneel before the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory
to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,
and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
that you, rooted and grounded in love,
may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones
what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge,
so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.“

Are you rooted and strengthened by God’s love?
Do you know the love of Christ?