Jeremiah 11: 18-20; Psalm 7:2-12; John 7: 40-53

protectors
of faith
blinded
by their own
expectations
could not see
His coming
even as
His words
touched
open minds
and hearts—
preparing to
destroy
and cut Him off
from the land
of the living
they closed
themselves off
from wisdom
each going
to his own house

Have you been blinded by expectations?
Have you closed your mind and heart for protection?

Wisdom 2: 1-22; Psalm 34: 17-23; John 7: 1-2, 10, 25-30

your presence
stands
in the truth
of who you are
born
from goodness
you challenge
and censure
our thoughts
as harm
is planned
against you
testing
by our own standards
we are blind
yet crushed
in spirit
broken hearted
we see you
in a new way
of mercy
and kindness
and grace
that lives
beyond our means
and lifts us up

How do His words challenge you?

Exodus 32:7-14; Psalm 106: 19-23; John 5:31-47

without
a ready heart
we are blind
to the Truth
when it comes
ears closed
to the voice
who will guide us
we are lost
creating images
of no lasting
value
that we worship
then a voice
crying in the wilderness
a burning
and shining lamp
preparing the way
for the one
who will lead us home
to God’s love
in our heart

Do you hear the voice in the wilderness?

Isaiah 49: 8-15; Psalm 145: 8-18; John 5: 17-30

answering
your call
we pass
from death
to life
knowing
we are more
than flesh
and blood
earth
and stone
but Spirit
that raises us
to love
and kindness
caring
and compassion
restoring
a world
setting us
free
we rejoice!
we give thanks!
we sing!

Have you been set free?

Ez 47: 1-12; Psalm 46: 2-9; John 5: 1-6

we are
your living
water
flowing
from the love
of your
sanctuary
our refuge
and strength
in time
of distress
we live
in your presence
and rise
and walk
with you

What do you say when Jesus says, “Do you want to be well?”

Isaiah 65: 17-21; Psalm 30: 2-13; John 4: 43-54

in the dawn
you are there
our helper
who changed
our mourning
into dancing
we follow
as a new heaven
and new earth
are created
the past
left behind
with all of
our tears
living
in this place
of hope
and love
we rejoice
and give thanks
for the miracle
of life

Can you leave the past behind?
Do you see a new heaven and a new earth?

2 Chron 36:14-17,19-23; Ps. 137: 1-6; Eph 1: 4-10; John 3: 14-21)

light of God
gift
for eyes of darkness
to see
the truth
revealed
that ALL is gift
to us
and for those
who seek love
an answer
a Son
raised up…
returning
from our exile of
infidelity
having been lulled
to forgetfulness
we remember
as the call
to hearts
from God
is heard…
nothing earned
only the purity
of love
that is not currency
but grace
fills and inspires
our works
that live in
the light of God.

Do you believe that all is gift?
Do you let God’s light into your darkness?

Hosea 6:1-6; Psalm 51:3-4,18-10, 20-21; Luke 18:9-14

we stand
in opinion
above another
proclaiming
a righteousness
we deem
our own
unaware
it is our humility
that brings us
home
knowing
our frailty
and our need
we open
to God’s presence
and love
Holy Spirit
and guide
we find
our way

Do you see your need?

Dt 4: 1, 5-9; Psalm 147: 12-20; Matthew 5: 17-19

He comes
to fulfill
a law
written
in statues
and stone
to one
that lives
in hearts
of flesh
breath
and bone
Spirit
of love
once given
to a chosen few
now
lives in
all

Where does God live in you?

Dn 3:25,34-43; Psalm 25:4-0; Matthew 18:21-35

our hearts
troubled
by the ways
of the world
we look to God
and are answered
by the Holy Spirit
who lifts us up
we remember
the ways
of kindness
goodness
compassion
and truth
always merciful
to the contrite heart
we forgive
as we are forgiven
and embrace
the Light

Where do you look when your heart is troubled?