Acts 5: 34-42; Psalm 27: 1, 4, 13-14; John 6: 1-15

living
in the house
of the Lord
we gaze
on loveliness
a welcome
refuge
we live
in a courage
not our own
a light
shared
a salvation
given
from God
it cannot
be destroyed
we have
all we need
for each other
we give thanks
and share

Where do you live?
Do you share what you have?

Acts 5: 27-33; Psalm 34: 2-20; John 3:31-36

alive
within me
I know
your voice
your love
your guidance
my crushed spirit
you saved
close to my
broken heart
you healed me
you heard
my cry
and answered
I take
refuge in you
you guard me
from evil
a prayer
of gratefulness
for you is
always
on my lips

How is God alive in you?

Acts 5: 17-26; Psalm 34: 2-9; John 3: 16-21

Image of Light by Adam Morse

for those who hear
for those who see
a light has shone
in their darkness
and they are
radiant
with joy

How do you respond to the Light?

Acts: 4: 32-37; Psalm 93: 1-5; John 3: 7-15

what is it
to be born
from above
of Spirit
as a wind
that blows
where it will
we hear its sound
we feel its effects
yet from where
does it come?
what are
these heavenly things
you will
for us
one mind
one heart
no claim of possessions
as our own
there are no needy
among us
as all is shared
and distributed
according to need
from love

What is this love that demands so much good?

Acts 4:23-31: Psalm 2: 1-9; John 3: 1-8

each day
as the sun
rises
we are
born again
renewed
by His Spirit
given
our daily bread
to go forth
in love
and peace
even as we meet
resistance
in hardened hearts
greed
hatred
and temptations
we are confident
in His Presence
to guide
and sustain us

What sustains you?

Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 118:2-4; 13-15, 22-24; John 5:1-4; John 20:19-31

spirit poured out
one mind
one heart
one feast
to share
we give thanks
for his everlasting
love
no burden
in command
for his command
is love
no longer
hoarders
all is shared
from divine abundance
all are fed
we give
and celebrate
in the spirit
of truth
that testifies
doubter’s no more
the wounds
of Christ
are healed

How do you experience the outpouring of spirit?
How can our world be fed?
How can the wounds of Christ be healed?

Acts 4: 13-21; Psalm 118: 1 and 14-21; Mark 16: 9-15

speaking to
our hardness
of heart
our unbelief
you release
our life
from death
and give
strength
courage
mercy
and goodness
to our days
this love
available freely
to all
God’s justice…
it is impossible
not to speak
about what
we have seen
and heard

What have you seen and heard?

Acts 4: 1-12; Psalm 118: 1-27; John 21: 1-14

again
and again
you come to us
showing yourself
alive
in our lives
some mercy
some healing
some forgiveness
that speaks
of your Presence
that lives
beyond
your cross
beyond your death
a grace
that announces
aha!
yes!
this is the Christ
with us
God with us
Holy Spirit with us
this is the love
upon which we build
our lives

Upon what do you build your life?

Acts 3:11-26; Psalm 8:2,5-9; Luke 24:25-48

opening
our minds
we see Him
alive
among us
beyond
His wounds
and death
fulfilling
a promised word
from God
that we dare
to believe
as we share
His bread
with one another
nourished
on the joy
of God’s presence
we receive
and give
the blessings
of the day

Has the Holy Spirit opened your mind?
Are you nourished by the joy of God’s presence?

Acts 3:1-10; Psalm 105:1-9; Luke 24:13-35

our hearts
are burning
and rejoicing
as we recognize
God within
and among us
sharing
wisdom
life
and bread
so that we
may not feel
abandoned
in a world
that often breeds
fear and greed
hatred and murder
He is our beautiful gate
where we return
to health
forgiven
strong
filled with faith
and love

Where is your beautiful gate?
Who meets you at the beautiful gate?