2Cor 4:7-15; Psalm 126:1-6; Matthew 20:20-28

given freedom
we rejoice
as though
dreaming
having sown
and toiled
in tears
we are filled
with laughter
and joy
for though
afflicted
perplexed
persecuted
and struck down
we have not
been constrained
abandoned
destroyed
or left in despair
we are raised up
by the God
who raised him
our treasure
found
in these
earthen vessels

Have you found freedom?

Matthew 13:18-23

sower
of seed
you seek
the fertile heart
open
to your word
where love
can take root
and bear fruit
not snatched away
in lack
of understanding
fallen away
amidst trial
or choked away
in the thorns
of the worlds’s anxiety
but pruned
and tended
with a love
not our own

Do you have an open heart?

Jeremiah 2:1-3,7-8,12-13; Psalm 36; Matthew 13:10-17

in your light
we see
light
the place
of mercy
the place
of justice
the place
of love
source
of the living waters
we enter
a garden
full of the hope
in faithfulness
to your word
nourishing us
with daily bread

By what light do you see?

John 20:1-2; 11-18

hearing God
call our name
we remember
and recognize
who we are
made from Goodness
made for Goodness
the love of Christ
impels us
what we have longed for
is here
our help
and our joy
our soul clings fast
to what is revealed
while we live
and grow
in the freedom
of God’s word

Do you hear God call your name?

Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; Psalm 85; Matthew 12:46-50

we enter
a family
of God
united
in love
mercy
and kindness
guided
by the Holy Spirit
all is forgiven
as we embrace
heaven now
even as we struggle
with who we are
in this family

Can you imagine a healing love?
What makes you feel part of a family?

Micah 6:1-4;6-8; Psalm 150; Matthew 12:38-42

we seek
no sign
only
to do
the right
love goodness
and walk
humbly
with our God

What do you seek?

Wisdom 12:13,16-19; Psalm 86:5-6,9-10,15-16; Romans 8:26-27; Matthew 13:24-43

weeds and wheat
growing within
what harvest
may come
and save
what is good?

a Spirit
that searches
our hearts
knowing the intent
of God’s will for love

a justice
that knows
we must be kind
for power to be shown

a faith
the size
of a mustard seed
that grows into
the tree of life

all answered by wisdom’s grace

Matthew 2:1-5; Psalm 10:1-8,14; Matthew 12:14-21

withdrawing
from the ones
who would do Him harm
He heals
and cures
the faithful
who follow
even as He aware of
what is to come
He knows
who He is
in God’s love
never ceasing
doing Good
we follow
the path
of Life

Do you follow His path to life?
What gives you strength to carry on when you are hurting and afraid?

Isaiah 26:7-9,12,16-19; Psalm 102:13-15; Matthew 11:28-30

seeing
with compassion
our suffering
and groaning
is heard
and a voice
speaks
into our heart…
“come to me
all who labor
and are burdened
and I will give you
rest”

Do you find your rest in God’s love and compassion?

Matthew 11:25-27

with
child-like
wonder
and awe
we see you
as your light
reveals
God’s splendor
to us
hidden
in every
being
and leaf
and grain
of sand
shimmering
with a love
we cannot
refuse
to accept
or give

Do you see with child-like wonder?