Isaiah 55:1-11; Psalm 34:4-7,16-19; Matthew 6: 7=15

His word goes out
like rain and snow
and will not return
to Him void
but with a harvest
of His will for Love–
close to our broken hearts
and our distress
our prayers
are answered
and we are radiant
with joy
as God’s kingdom comes
God’s will is done
and our daily bread
is received
all trespasses
forgiven
we are delivered
from evil
and live in peace

Have you received God’s word into your heart?
Do you forgive everything?

Lv 19: 1-2, 11-18; Psalm 19: 8-15; Matthew 25: 31-46

God’s words
are spirit
and life
showing us
the way
to go
in thought
in words
and deeds
seeing God
in every need
of hunger
thirst
welcoming
clothing
caring
and compassion
showing
no partiality
justice
is God’s love
for all

Where do you see God?
Are His words Spirit and Life for you?

Genesis 2: 7-9, 3: 1-7; Psalm 51: 3-6, 12-17; Romans 5: 12-19; Mt 4:1-11

turning from
the tree of life
we eat
of good and evil
aware of
our nakedness
we hide our being
from love
cast aside
we beg for mercy
from ourselves
until
one comes
from the desert
who knows
the true voice
and that
some food
is poison
even as we are starving
and that no proof
is needed
for eternal love
belongs to God
given
freely
owned
by all
and none

How do you hear the true voice?
What voice tempts you?
Do you live by the grace of God?

Isaiah 58:9-14; Psalm 86: 1-6; Luke 5:27-32

leaving
our own
selfish ways
we follow
the way
of God
whose will
is to Love
we feed
the hungry
remove oppression
false accusation
and malicious speech
embracing kindness
we bring Light
into the darkness
our strength
is renewed
like a watered garden
as we return
to original Goodness
in Life
and Death
we are welcomed home

How does Jesus bring you new life?
How do you bring light into the darkness?

Isaiah 58: 1-9; Psalm 51: 3-10; Matthew 9: 14-15

a contrite heart
that sees the other
in their hunger
in their homelessness
in their nakedness
in their oppression
and shares
shelters
clothes
and releases
not turning their back
to their own
enters the light
that breaks forth
like the dawn
where healing comes
and God says
“I am here”

How do you experience a contrite heart?
How do you experience compassion?

Dt 30:15-20; Psalm 1:1-6; Luke 9:22-25

today
is set before us
life and death
we choose life
in Him
who even though He endured
many sufferings
rose to new life
in the Spirit of God-
law of the Lord
written
in our hearts
we stand
like a tree
planted near
running water
meditating on
God’s love
day and night
with love’s fruit
yielding
in due season
with leaves
that will never fade

What do you choose?

Joel 2:12-18; Psalm 51:3-6;12-17; 2Cor 5:20-21; Mt 6:1-18

with our
whole heart
we return
to God
made from
love
for love
we have
no other reason
to live
but to give
what has been
given us
not for gain
or show
or profit
but to be
who we are
in God–
loved

Have you returned to God with your whole heart?
What has God called you to be?

Mark 8: 14-21

Speaking to our hearts He asks
Do you not see?
Do you not hear?
Do you not understand?
there is enough
do not let
your hearts
be hardened
by the religion
of the Pharisees
and the politics
of Herod
but live
in the Holy Spirit
who guides us
to share in faith
with love and joy
patience and peace
kindness, generosity 
and gentleness
for the common good
in God’s justice
God’s love for all

Is your heart troubled and hardened by religion and politics?
Do you see the path of the Holy Spirit?
Do you follow

James 1:1-11; Psalm 119:67-76; Mark 8:1-13

asking in faith
not doubting
we are given
all we need
no miraculous sign needed
just a love
and grace
given freely
knowing
that though we pass away
as the flower
in the field
our soul lives on
in the joy of the Lord

Do you ask God for what you need in faith?
What do you receive?

Sir: 15: 15-20; Ps 119 1-2;4-5; 17-18; 33-34; 1 Cor 2: 6-10; Mt 5: 17-37

open our eyes
instruct us
give us
discernment
that we may see
your wisdom
that saves us
you see all
that is in our hearts
our fears
our desire for good
you place your law
upon us
we trust in you
and follow
your Holy Spirit
that knows
even the depths of God
guide us
to choose life
in all things

Have your eyes seen?
Have your ears heard?
What do you choose