2Cor 9:6-11; Psalm 112:1-9; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

hearts prepared
by grace
we give
cheerfully
from all God
has given
knowing
we have all
we need
scattering seed
sowing abundantly
with no need for show
or reward
only doing
what needs to be done
to care
for God’s world

Where does your giving come from?
Do you have all you need?

2Cor 8:1-9; Psalm 146:2-9; Matthew 5:43-48

a turn of phrase
to turn the tide
of hated
animosity
injustice
cruelty
and oppression

Love your enemy.

Who is your enemy?
How do you begin to love them?

2Cor 6:1-10; Psalm 98:1-4; Matthew 5:38-42

now
is the time
to live beyond
our vengeance
letting go
of all
that would keep us
from God’s love
and grace

we embrace
another reality
embedded
within our own
a clear vision
of Truth
enlightened
by the one who knows
no evil
no extra mile
no hardship
or affliction
can separate us
from God’s love

How does God’s love change your mind?

Exodus 34: 4-6, 8-9; Daniel 3; 2 Cor 13: 11-13; John 3: 16-18

tested
in the wilderness
we see
the nature
of our being
hungry
alone
wandering
then fed by God
we are freed
in manna
we rise up
and behold
the bread
of life
Christ of all
one bread
one body
our bones
our blood
in His love
we move
and have
our being

How are you fed by God?
Do you move in God’s ways?

2Cor 5:14-21; Psalm 103:1-12; Matthew 5:33-37

no oath
can contain
the faith
to which we belong
the love of Christ
impels us
to a love
where no boundary
holds us
from the God
of All
our “yes”
is to all
that is true
in Him
our “no”
to all that is a lie
we are a new creation
reconciled
from our life of destruction
living with kindness
and compassion

What impels you?

2Cor4:7-15; Psalm 116:10-18; Matthew 5:27-32

the cross
this strange
mysterious
beautiful gate
where death
comes to life
where His life given
becomes our own

“afflicted
but not constrained
perplexed
but not driven
to despair
persecuted
but not abandoned
struck down
but not destroyed”

dying daily
to all that is not
of God
rising eternally
to all that is

What do you find at the cross?

2Cor3:15-4:1-6; Psalm 85:9-14; Matthew 5:20-26

turning to God
the veil
is lifted
from our eyes
and we see All
as it was meant
to be seen
a Love
connecting
all of Creation
all in favor
of one another
a web of giving
flowing
creating
the Light
of Glory
from the darkness
the Light
of Christ
that sets us free

Has God lifted the veil from your eyes?

2Cor 3:4-11; Psalm 99:5-9; Matthew 5:17-19

embracing
the Spirit
of the law
we enter
a love
that fulfills
all promises
nothing
is beyond
its reach
where forgiveness
and mercy live
and all hope
resides

Do you live by the spirit of God’s law?

2Cor 1:18:22; Psalm 119:129-135; Matthew 5:13-16

Spirit
of our heart
given
in promise
is the “yes”
to all
that God desires
as His face
shines
upon us
so we shine
with the love
that is given
that no one
can take
from us

What does God desire?

2 Cor 1:1-7; Psalm 34:2-9; Matthew 5:1-12

encouraged
in every way
by the Holy Spirit
we taste
and see
the goodness
of the Lord
in our poverty
our mourning
our meekness
and hunger
for peace
and righteousness
we are shown
a mercy
that clears our mind
and heart
to see

How are you encouraged by the Holy Spirit?