1Thess 4:13-18; Psalm 96:1,2,4-13; Luke 4:16-30

hope
beyond death
in God’s Spirit
we are raised up
leaving
our fears
and anxieties
knowing
that God
reveals
His Spirit
even in the ordinary
in the day to day
and the known
if we have
ears to hear
and eyes
to see
God’s love
in All

How do you see God in the ordinary?

Jeremiah 20: 7-9; Psalm 63; Romans 12: 1-2; Mt 16: 21-27

our hearts
a burning fire
shut up
in bones
thirsting
for God’s will
we present
ourselves
as a living
sacrifice
to be
transformed
renewed
by what
is good
and perfect
letting nothing
or anyone
stand
in our way
we give all
to follow
this love

Do you feel the fire of God’s love in your bones?
Do you let your very self be transformed by it?

1Thes 4:9-11; Psalm 98:1,7-9; Matthew 25:14-30

taught by God
with the justice
of love
we share
what has been given us
through grace
aspiring to
work and live
a peaceful life
within God’s presence
even as we struggle
with our fears
and anxieties
we embrace the light
of God’s love
that is always there

Do you allow the light of God’s presence in?

1Thes 4:1-8; Psalm 97:1-6; 1-12; Matthew 25:1-13

mindful
of God’s presence
at every moment
we are awake
and prepared
for the Spirit’s guidance
in our life
neither taking advantage
or exploiting another
the light
dawns
on our heart
and soul
and mind
as we rejoice
and are glad
to be found
in God’s love

Are you mindful of God’s love every moment?
Do you experience the Holy Spirit’s guidance?

1Thes 3:7-13; Psalm 90:3-5, 12-17; Matthew 24:42-51

stay awake
stand firm
in faith
let your heart
be strengthen
with God’s love
and sing for joy
at the daybreak
that brings
wisdom
and kindness
through His word

Are awake to God’s presence in your life?

1Tes 2:9-13; Psalm 139:7-12; Mt 23:27-32

knowing
our hearts
and our ways
God seeks
our goodness
drawing out
into the light
loving-kindness
and compassion
healing all
of our brokenness
releasing our bones
from death
into new life
in the Spirit

Do you experience God drawing you out into the light?

1Thessalonians 2:1-8; Psalm 139; Mark 6:17-29

word of God
passing through
our being
not from delusion
or impure motive
not from flattering speech
or greed
not seeking praise
or for pleasing others
but for God alone
who knows
our heart
always before us
and behind us
resting
His presence on us
gentle
caring
and loving
challenging
and revealing
we live in God’s strength
and courage
one is God’s love

How do you experience God’s word?

1Thes 1:1-5,8-10; Psalm 149:1-9; Matthew 23:13-22

under the strain
of deceptions
stress
and doubt
our faith
is tested
easily led astray
we pray
with deep trust
in the God
of love
and mercy
who resides
within
knowing
that is where
our strength
courage
and truth
reside

Do you feel your faith being trusted?
Where does your strength and courage reside?

Isaiah 22:15,19-23; Psalm 138: 1-8; Romans 11: 33-36; Mt 16: 13-20

like a peg
in a sure spot
your love
is secure
eternal Son
of the living God
you ask
who we are
do we see
our own
salvation
and follow
surely
securely
in this love
freely given
not forsaking
the hands
that have made us
but trusting
and giving thanks

How do you think God sees you?
Who do you say Jesus is?

Ruth 2:1-11,4:13-17; Psalm 128:1-5; Matthew 23:1-12

letting God’s word
become
our practice
we awaken
to God’s
ever presence
we are beholden
to no other
humbled
we embrace
the freedom
we receive
letting go
of all that binds us
giving
and receiving
forgiveness
and loving kindness

Do you let God’s word become your practice?