Dt 30:10-14; Psalm 69:14-37; Colossians 1:15-20; Luke 10:25-37

before all else
beyond all else
within all
there is Christ
image of
the invisible God
we are in awe
the thought
the reality
of Him
makes us soar
we see from mountaintops
all that is
and our hearts
are brought
to love
His law
written within
we love
with all our heart
and soul
and strength
and mind
alive
within us
we travel roads
with this love
to the need
of life
to our neighbors
who are everyone

How do you experience Christ?
Do you take His law of love into your heart?
Do you take this love to your neighbor?

Genesis 49:29-50:15-26; Psalm 105:1-7; Mt 10: 24-33

forgiven
our soul
is set free
from all
that binds it
in time
knowing
the protection
of God
we let go
of our fear
walking
each moment
in the practice
of God’s presence
where our soul
resides
even as our bones
are buried
in our homeland
our Spirit
lives on
in God’s love

Do you let yourself be forgiven?
Do you forgive?
Do you feel God’s protection?

Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30; Psalm 37:3-40; Mt 10:16-23

leaving all
on nothing but faith
we are guided
by the inner light
of Christ
returning
to our source
all becomes
illuminated
by God’s infinite love
providing
all we need
for the day-to-day
in sickness
and health
joy
and sorrow
famine
or feast
we live
in the joy
of knowing

Where do you live?
What guides your life?

Genesis 41:55-57; 42:5-7, 17-24; Psalm 33: 2-3, 10-11, 18-19; Matthew 10: 1-7

God
sees
the anguish
of our heart

we feel
His mercy
on us
as we place
our trust
in him

even as
famine
grips
the land

food is sent
through
his Son
in Body
and Spirit
and we are healed

Does God see the anguish in your heart?
Does God answer your prayer?

Genesis 32:23-33;Psalm 17:2-15; Matthew 9:32-38

wrestling
through the night
with the power of God
challenging us
to stay faithful
to our calling
to heal
and give life
never despairing
with the help
of God’s grace
we embrace
the truth
and care for all
with compassion

Do you find yourself wrestling with God?
How do you stay faithful

Matthew 9:18-26

reaching out
in the courage
of our faith
we touch
the source
of our Being
in Christ
creator
and guide
of our life
setting us free
to live
this holy moment
in God’s holy
presence
able to rejoice
in the beauty
that surrounds us
knowing
we are protected
and will never be abandoned
as we keep our eyes fixed
on heaven

Do you reach out in courage?
Do you find love and forgiveness?

Isaiah 66:10-14; Psalm 66:1-7,16,20; Galatians 6:14-18; Luke 10:1-20

like lambs
among wolves
we journey
with only
God’s living word
no walking stick
no traveling bag
no sandals
no room for illusion
we live only
God’s truth
of love
and peace
His reign at hand
our eyes are fixed
on heaven
through the cross
we live compassion
and rejoice
to see what God has done
in kindness
and mercy
we are created anew
knowing nothing
as our own
but only gift
to be given
in freedom

Does all of your nourishment come from God?
Is your life completely centered on your faith in God’s goodness?

Genesis 23:1-4; 19; 24:1-8, 62-67; Psalm 106 1-5; Matthew 9:9-13

the desire
of mercy calls
not sacrifice
as we follow a way
out of the chaos
of our minds
into the healing space
of Spirit
a holy offering
of peace
to hearts wrangled
with division
asking only
for a pause in our ways
to experience
the embrace of breath
as our creator’s love

from the beginning
to our end
we live
in the mystery
of another
who guides
our way
when we open
our eyes
our ears
our minds
and our hearts

Have you paused to experience the embrace of your breath?
Who owns your breath?
Is it love?

Genesis 22:1B-19; Psalm 115: 1-9; Mt 9:1-8

tested
in the extreme
we take all we love
in sacrifice
to the God of love
who calls us
living
in trust
that knows
no boundaries
we are ill equipped
for this depth
we question
and doubt
only to be shown
greater mercy
compassion
and love
given to heal
given to share

To what forgiveness is God calling you?
To what sacrifice?
To what freedom?

Genesis 19:15-29; Psalm 26: 2-3; 9-12; Matthew 8:23-27

living
in the terror
the the raging sea
we cry out
for help
He comes
with a word
of peace
calming
every fear
challenging
our faith
our heart
and soul
searched
and tested
for mercy
and love
we are called
to walk ahead
with courage
never looking behind

Who answers when you cry out in fear?
Are you calmed by God’s presence?
Do you have the courage to leave the past behind?