Wisdom 3:1-9; Psalm 23:1-6; Romans 5:5-11; John 6:37-40

a stillness
that looks
like death
is not
as our soul rests
in the hand
of God
even as we walk
through
this valley
of darkness
we have no fear
for God is with us
in a love
poured out
into our hearts
living
in a hope
that will not disappoint

Do you live in the hope that will not disappoint?

Rv 7:2-4,9-14; Psalm 24:1-6; 1Jn 3:1-3; Mt 5:1-12

seeking
the face
of God
we find Him
in the One
who comes
in blessing
of our poverty
of Spirit
our mourning
our meekness
our hunger
and thirst
for righteousness
peace
and purity
guiding us
through times
of great distress
we rest
from our burdens
in Him

Where do you find Him?
Where do you put your hope in time of great distress?

Eph 6:10-20; Psalm 144:1-10; Luke 13:31-35

what armor
but God
will protect us
from some
fashioned evil
knowing
what may come
we prepare
our hearts
and mind
shielding
from what may
destroy us
we put all
our trust
in God
and God’s mercy
singing
and chanting
and praising
blessing
the power of God’s love
that saves

In what do you put your trust?
Do you hold onto truth,
act with justice,
bring peace to others,
have faith,
remember your salvation,
and rely on scripture?

Luke 13:22-30
where is
this narrow gate
constricted road
that leads
to life
some cross
that calls us
through
its mysterious way
some mystical
birth canal
where we are
nourished
in God’s womb
then expelled
into the Light
of Knowing
spiritual senses
ignited
we live
in Heaven’s realm
of Love
tasting
and seeing
God’s Goodness
of All

Where is your narrow gate?
Will Jesus know where you are from?

Ephesians 5:21-33; Psalm 128:1-5; Luke 13:18-21

a seed planted
yeast
folded in
we surrender
to the power
of new life
within us
growing
yielding
to a promised
heaven
already here
waiting
for our consent
reclaiming
what is lost
through
the world’s deceptions
we begin again
in the Light
of Truth

Do you believe in the power of the mustard seed?

Eph 2:19-22; Psalm 19:2-3,4-5; Luke 6:12-16

spending
the night in prayer
the words of love
come from God
to show us
who we are
one life
held together
by the bonds
of the Holy Spirit
uniting
in a way
we have yet to understand
day pours out
the word to day
night imparts knowledge
with a message
for those who would hear

What do you hear?

Jer 30:7-9; Ps 126 1-6; Heb 5:1-6; Mark 10; 46-52)

we want to see
and call out
from our need
for compassion
as we feel the presence
of Jesus near
savior from darkness
our bridge to light

remnants of the lost
we gather
from the ends of the earth
leaving our weeping
we are consoled
and guided
no longer stumbling
we are dreamers
filled with laughter
filled with rejoicing
healed by faith
we follow Him

What do we long to see?
Do we feel the presence of Christ?
Has your faith healed you and filled you with laughter and rejoicing?

Eph 4:7-16; Psalm 122:1-5; Luke 13:1-9

tossed
by waves
swept along
by every wind
of teaching
human trickery
and cunning
in interests
of deceitful
scheming
we are rescued
by Truth
its beacon
shining
in His light
above all others
creating
a unity of gifts
as we minister
to each other
rejoicing
in the Holy Spirit
who believes
in us
who gives
us faith
and love
to endure

Do you experience God’s faith in you?

Eph 4:1-6; Psalm 24:1-2,3-4;5-6; Luke 12:54-59

“…live
in a manner
worthy of the call
you have received
with all humility
and gentleness
with patience
bearing
with one another
through love
striving
to preserve
the unity
of the spirit
through the bond
of peace
one body
and one Spirit
as you were also called
to the one hope
of your call
one Lord
one faith
one baptism
one God
of all
who is over all
and through all
and in all…”

How do you experience the unity of the Spirit?
Do you live in a manner worthy of the call you have received?
Do you know how to interpret the present time?

Ephesians 3:14-21; Psalm 33:1-5,11-12,18-9; Luke 12:49:53

strengthened
with power
through
His Spirit
within
our inner self
our hearts
are designed
for God’s justice
goodness
and hope
in kindness
we are ablaze
in the autumn glory
of God’s love
even as we
experience
harsh divisions
we hope
in his healing
as we send roots
deeply
into Christ’s love
where
we imagine
the unimaginable

How do we heal our divisions?