1Samuel 16:7

Not as a man sees
does God see
because man sees
the appearance
but the Lord
looks into the heart.

What is in your heart?

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 you 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.

Isaiah 62: 1-5; Ps. 1-3, 7-10; 1 Cor 12: 4-11; John 2: 1-12

a mother
knows
her Son’s time
this water
turned
to wine
a step taken
and we
no longer
desolate
no longer
forsaken
are brought
into the land
of Truth’s
heart
espoused
gifts are given
for the common good
we express
wisdom
and knowledge
faith
and healing
prophecy
gift of tongues
and understanding
spirit enlivens
all with
marvelous deeds
we will not be silent
we are His water
turned to wine

What is your gift?

Death is nothing
I have only slipped away into the next room
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name
Speak to me in the easy way you always used to.

Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.
Let my name be the household word it always was.
Let it be spoken without effort
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
There is absolutely unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of your mind
because I am out of your sight?
I am but waiting for you for an interval
somewhere very near just around the corner.
All is well. Nothing has past. Nothing is lost.

One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
only better, infinitely happier
and forever we will be one together.

Henry Scott Holland

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?

1Samuel 4:1-11; Psalm 44:10=22, 14-15, 24-25; Mark 1:40-45

the mercy
of the God
not of our making
or control
provides
victory
or defeat
healing
or not
as we carry
our burdens
in the Light
of faith
traveling
to the deserted places
for what
he has to offer
to our uncertain fate
we surrender
in love

What is the mercy of God?

1Samuel 3:1-10,19-20; Psalm 40: 2,5,7-10; Mark 1:29-39

the morning light
dawns
on us
and through
its silence
we hear you
and our heart
ignites
into a fire
of desire
to do your will
as we hear
you whisper
“here I am”

a hand
outstretched
to heal
we rise
to serve
in all we do
the love
we have come
to know
as you

What love do you serve?

1Samuel 1:9-20; 1Samuel 2:1,4-7; Mark 1:21-28

we cry out
we pray
for new life
and that our enemies
and demons
be taken away

deep into
the Life
of Truth
our enemies flee
our demons
are expelled
and we are given
new life

He comes as Truth
we follow
the Light
in our darkness

What Truth do you follow?

1Samuel 1:1-8; Psalm 116:12-19; Mark 1:14-20

we come
to the morning
with thankfulness
even in our weariness
or grieving
or dissatisfaction
we offer
a sacrifice of praise
as we pray
in darkened faith
into God’s Light
and Love
we hear
the Kingdom
of Goodness
is at hand
and turn
to follow

How do you offer a sacrifice of praise?

Isaiah 40:1-5,9-11; Psalm 29:1-10; Titus 2:11-14; 3.4-7; Luke 3:15-16 21-22

the skies open
and the Holy Spirit
descends
on a beloved son
from a God
well pleased
he comes to us
who wait
in anticipation
wondering
and waiting
in our hearts
for good news
of peace-
grasping
our hand
with no
partiality
He forms us
opening
our eyes and
setting us free
in the light
of His justice
His love for all
we share in
His good works
blessing
and
healing

Do you accept the grasp of His hand?
Do you accept the blessing of peace?