Dt. 4:32-40; Psalm 77:12-21; Matthew 16:24-28

from
the midst
of fire
the white heat
of His voice
call us
to remember
who we are
in God’s wonder
and power
and fix it
in our hearts
to follow
the one
who will
lead us
and our children
home
to peace

Have you heard His voice in the midst of fire?
How do you embrace the God of peace?

Matthew 16:13

Jesus asks
“Who do you say I am?”

Who do you say He is?
How does the question challenge you?
How does the answer change you?

The Transfiguration

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 97: 1-2, 5-6, 9; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Mark 9: 2-10

morning star
rising in our heart
flames of fire
burning 
we rejoice
we are glad
to see the Truth
of God among us
purest power of God
even as Truth’s terror
strikes our heart
we see heaven’s justice
heaven’s glory
we listen
as we are told of
God’s pleasing son
a light shining
in the dark place of us
transfigured
no tent pitched
no shrine built
eternal place
cast into the seer’s eyes
the knower’s heart
revealed
in God’s time.

Do you live within His Light?
Have we felt the awe of God’s truth?

Matthew 14:22-36

facing the storm
tossed and turned
by the anxieties 
of our time
we cry out
for help
and He answers
walking across
our troubled waters
he reaches out
His hand
to our need
and our fear
asking only
for faith
to sustain us

Do your faith to sustain you?

Number 11:4-15; Psalm 81:12-17; Matthew 14:13-21

through
God’s abundance
our need
is filled
even when
it is not
what we expected
and even as we complain
and moan
time
opens
our eyes
and we see
the little
we have
grow
and multiply
as our eyes are opened
to see
the abundance of God
in all things

Do you see the abundance of God?

Eccl 1:2, 2-21-23; Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-9; Col. 3: 1-5, 9-11; Luke 12: 13-21)

we are
a new creation
no longer
our vanities
building
storage
for things
that pass away
we turn
to His voice
with open hearts
and hear
the desire of spirit
for love
and purity
goodness
faithfulness
Truth and
equality
we have our being
in God
singing joyfully
with thanksgiving
we create
and live
through God’s love

For what are you building up storage?
On what things is your mind intent?
Are you rooted in the nature of the Holy Spirit?
What matters to God?

Lv 25:1,8-17; Psalm 67:2-8; Mt 13:1-12

the Baptist’s head
served up
on a plate
gives pause
to the morning prayers
filling me
with questions
of our capacities
as we listen
to commands
and desires
to please
ourselves
or another
some fear
of shame
rejection
or retribution
praying
deeply
into the Spirit
our God
who saves us
from ourselves

How do you feel intimidated by the world’s demands?
How do you respond to human cruelty?
Are you open to God’s mercy?

Lv 23:1-16,27,34-37; Psalm 81:3-11; Mt.13:54-58

losing sight
in the familiar
we do not see
what is
in front of us
God working
in all of God’s ways
for Good
following
the sacred path
we journey
with others
singing
with joy
to God
who is our help

Where do you see God in the familiar?
Where do you see God in what is in front of you?

Exodus 40:16-21,34-38; Psalm 84:3-6,8,11; Matthew 13:47-53

caught
by Heaven
we have found
our dwelling place
secured
by the one
who has followed us
Spirit guide
of our life
traveling through
the cloud of unknowing
to the light
of faith
our heart
and soul
that cried out
to the living God
has been heard
and answered
in ever surprising ways

Have you been caught by Heaven?
How has God surprised you?

Exodus 34:29:35; Psalm 99:5-9; Matthew 13:44-46

we find
a pearl
of great price
in God’s word
leaving all
to follow
what we see
as Truth
not turning back
we are drawn
by the radiance
of God’s presence
and love

What draws you to God?
What calls you to follow?