Jonah 3.1-5, 10; Psalm 25: 4-9; 1 Cor 7.29-31; Mark 1.14-20

Jonah
risen from the darkness
no longer hiding
proclaims a word
from God
of repentence
from evil ways
hearts hear
a Jonah word
a fast begins
sackcloth is worn
and a city is saved
by turning to God
our guide
and truth teacher
compassion and kindness
are revealed
goodness is remembered
in repentant hearts
we rejoice
in our humility
as a Christ world
of love enters
and we are renewed

What message has God asked you to speak?
What message has God asked you to hear?

2Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12,19,13-27; Psalm 80: 2-3,5-7; Mark 3:2-21

fed on the bread
of tears
our heart
and minds
are closed
until His love
and healing
find us
out of His mind
into the mind of God
we know
our place
beloved
and cherished
where neither
life or death
can separate us
from God’s
loving care

Is your mind open to the mind of God?

1Samuel 24:3-21; Psalm 57: 2-4; 6 and 11; Mark 3:13-19

in mercy
we are called
to follow
with the Holy Spirit
emptying
ourselves
of all enmity
anger
and jealousy
forgiving all
for the sake
of God’s love
that has come to us
freely
so that we may give
freely

How do you give and receive mercy?

1Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7; Psalm 56:1-3,9-13; Mark 3:7-12

we see
what we need
and follow
freedom
from sin
suffering
and death
as we reach out
to a knowing source
pressing
upon him
wisdom speaks
and we are touched
by the light
of the living God
jealousy
and fears
cease
as we live
in the trust
of God

Are you touched by the freedom of God’s living light?

Mark 3: 1-6

we come
before you
on our Sabbath
to remember
who we are
made for goodness
and healing
with withered hand
outstretched
knowing
our need
you heal us
and we feel
the power
of Life
holy splendor
falling on us
like the dew
the power
of a life
that cannot
be destroyed
one
in you
without beginning
or end

Do you feel the power of His Life?
Have you outstretched your hand to Him?

1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 39:20-28; Eph 1:17-18; Mark 2:23-28

not judging
by appearance
God looks
deeply
into our heart
for goodness
and strength
offering us
a Sabbath
for re-creation
and renewal
where we are nourished
on the love
offered us
and the gifts
of the Holy Spirit
enlightening
the eyes of our heart
and the hope
of our calling

How do you see others?
Do you let yourself be nourished by the Sabbath?

Love
is the only force
capable of
turning an enemy
into a friend.
(MLK)

Love your enemies.
Darkness cannot
drive out darkness;
only light
can do that
Hate cannot
drive out hate
only love
can do that
(MLK)

Love your enemies.
I have decided
to stick
with love.
Hate is too great
a burden
to bear.
(MLK)

Love your enemies.
I believe
that unarmed truth
and unconditional love
will have the final word
in reality.
(MLK)

Love your enemies.
(Jesus)

1Samuel 3:3-10,19; Psalm 40:2-10; 1Cor 6:13-20; John 1:35-42

hearing
your calling
I awaken
seeking
the source of you
who writes
your will
upon my heart
returning
to the garden
where all
was created
as good
my body and soul
a temple
of you
Holy Spirit
of our being
we know
what we are looking for
and it is love
and in you
it is found

What are you looking for?

1 Samuel 9:1-4,17-19, 10:1; Psalm 21:2=7; Mark 2:13-17

granted
our heart’s desire
for love
we follow
the one who calls
healer
of our soul
we live
in the freedom
of knowing
who we are
loved
and blessed
in God’s care
and compassion
living
in a harmony
only imagined
we sing
of God’s glory
and give
what we have been given

What is your heart’s desire?

1Samuel 8:4-7,10-22; Psalm 89: 16-19; Mark 2:1-2

lowered
down
into
His Presence
in our infirmity
we are touched
by His light
healed
of all
the distortions
of sin
strengthened
in our humanity
by His Divine embrace
we stand
knowing
no earthly king
can bring
what is ours
through His justice
God’s love
of all

Do you offer yourself to His healing presence?