Isaiah 30: 19-26; Psalm 147: 1-6; Matthew 9:35-10:1-8

no longer
will our teacher
hide himself
hearing us
when we cry out
we will see him
and a voice
from behind
will sound
in our ear
“This is the way
walk in it”
healing our broken heart
binding our wounds
we are sustained
and follow
to labor
in God’s field
cleansing
curing
raising form the dead
bringing new life

Do you hear his voice?
Where do you see him?

Isaiah 29:17-24; Psalm 17: 1,4,13-14; Mt 9:27-31

he asks
if we believe
in his power
to heal
our blindness-
with the “yes”
of our faith
our eyes
are opened
and we dwell
with him
who rejoices
in the Holy Spirit
we enter
a different realm
far from
the chaos
of worldly powers
and enter
the soul’s
eternal peace

Do you believe in his power to heal?

Is 26:1-6; Psalm 118: 1,8-0,19-21,25-27; Matthew 7:21,24-27

our refuge
and trust
is in God
who shines
a will
to love
on all people
we listen
and act
setting
our life
solidly
on his rock
rains come
winds blow
but we stand firm
in his Spirit
who lifts us up
again
and again

Where do you stand?
Where do you take refuge?

Romans 10: 9-18

“For everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.

But how can they call on him
in whom they have not believed?
And how can they believe in him
of whom they have not heard?
And how can they hear
without someone to preach?
And how can people preach
unless they are sent?
As it is written,
How beautiful are the feet of those
who bring the good news!
But not everyone has heeded the good news;
for Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed what was heard from us?
Thus faith comes
from what is heard,
and what is heard
comes through the word of Christ.
But I ask, did they not hear?
Certainly they did; for

Their voice has gone forth to all the earth,
and their words to the ends of the world.”

What have you heard?
What is the good news?

Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-17; Luke 10:21-24

seek
a Spirit of Wisdom
and of Understanding
a Spirit of Counsel
and of Strength
a Spirit of Knowledge
and fear of the Lord
judging not
by appearance
or hearsay
but by divine
Justice
God’s love
of All
seek
one true thing
in Him
blessed are the eyes
that see
what He sees
and hear
what He hears

What do you seek?
What do you see?
What do you hear?

Isaiah 4:2-6; Psalm 122:1-9; Matthew 8:5-11

a faith
that asks
a faith
that listens
a faith
that believes
welcomes
God’s word
and we follow
rejoicing
in our return
to the One
who shelters us
heals us
and brings us
peace
praying
for our good
we live
in the Light
of God’s love

Where is your faith?
What do you believe?

Isaiah 2: 1-5; Psalm 122: 1-9; Romans 13: 11-14; Mt 24: 37-44

now is the hour
to wake
from sleep
rejoice
and cast off
deeds of darkness
beat our swords
into plowshares
and pruning hooks
for we
shall go
to the house
of the Lord
where peace
shall be with us
quarreling
lusting
and jealousy
past
we put on
the light
of Christ
radiant
with love

Are you ready for peace and light?
Are you willing to shed your weapons?
Are you awake and watchful for the Lord?

Rev 22:1-7; Psalm 95:1-7; Luke 21:34-36

the end
of one year
flowing into
another
comes with
harvest
and foreboding
with a song of joy
and a warning
stay firm
and planted
by the life giving waters
where his word
bears fruit
keep hearts
awake
and sober
do not give into
the anxiety
of daily life
but pray always
standing before
the Son of Man
the Light
in our darkness
the way of Truth

How do you experience the Son of Man?

(Son of Man painting from En-Gedi Resource Center)

Rev 20: 1-4; 11-21:2; Psalm 84:3-8; Luke 21:29-33

shrouded words
of mystery
coming to the end
of this heaven
and earth
while fires
burn in Israel
we wait
our hearts
crying out
to the Living God
for peace
for justice
for a new heaven
and a new earth
recreated
in God’s Living Words
of Love

Do you have faith and patience in the waiting?

Philippians 4:6-9

Do not be anxious about anything,
but in every situation,
by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is right,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent
or praiseworthy—
think about such things…
and give thanks.

What are you thankful for today?