Isaiah 8: 23-9:3; Psalm 27; 1 Cor 10-17; Mt 4:12-17

united in the mind of Christ
judgment and anguish
have taken wing
streams of light
beam into
our darkness
bringing joy
to a land
of gloom
he calls us
we follow
to dwell
in the house
of the Lord
gazing on
loveliness
we are
completed
in God’s love
the yoke
of our burden
is lifted
the rod of taskmaster
smashed
making way
for the risen
Light

Do you unite yourself to the life and death and rising of Christ ?
Do you feel your burden lifted through the cross?

2Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12,19,13-27; Psalm 80: 2-3,5-7; Mark 3:2-21

fed on the bread
of tears
our heart
and minds
are closed
until His love
and healing
find us–
out of His mind
into the mind of God
we know
our place
beloved
and cherished
where neither
life or death
can separate us
from God’s
loving care

Is your mind open to the mind of God?
What do you find there?
Jesus relatives thought he was “out of His mind”.
What do you think?

1Samuel 24:3-21; Psalm 57: 2-4; 6 and 11; Mark 3:13-19

in mercy
we are called
to follow
with the Holy Spirit
emptying
ourselves
of all enmity
anger
and jealousy
forgiving all
for the sake
of God’s love
that has come to us
freely
so that we may give
freely

How do you give and receive mercy?

1Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7; Psalm 56:1-3,9-13; Mark 3:7-12

we see
what we need
and follow
freedom
from sin
suffering
and death
as we reach out
to a knowing source
pressing
upon him
wisdom speaks
and we are touched
by the light
of the living God
jealousy
and fears
cease
as we live
in the trust
of God

How do you live by the freedom of God’s living light?

Mark 3: 1-6

we come
before Him
on our Sabbath
to remember
who we are
made for goodness
and healing
with withered hand
outstretched
knowing
our need
He heals us
and we feel
the power
of His Life
falling on us
like the dew-
we live in the power
of God’s life
that cannot
be destroyed
one
in us
without beginning
or end

How do you experience the power of God’s love?
Has he healed your outstretched hand?

1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 39:20-28; Eph 1:17-18; Mark 2:23-28

not judging
by appearance
God looks
deeply
into our heart
for goodness
and strength
offering us
a Sabbath
for re-creation
and renewal
where we are nourished
on the love
offered us
and the gifts
of the Holy Spirit
enlightening
the eyes of our heart
and the hope
of our calling

How do you see others?
Do you let yourself be nourished by the Sabbath?

1Samuel 15:16-23; Psalm 50:8-9, 16-23; Mark 2:18-22

rejoicing
in God’s presence
our hearts
are open
to all
that is new
in the way
of love
transcending
all boundaries
even into the fields
of our enemy
embracing
a Goodness
and love
that outlives time

Is your heart open to God’s way of love?

Isaiah 49:3, 5-6; Psalm 40:2,4,7-10; 1Cor 1:1-3; John 1:29-34

God’s law
within my heart
brings delight
and a new song
into my mouth
as divine love
descends
upon all creation
a Truth
of who we are
is revealed
and shines forth
in Glory
with a Justice
that transcends
our meager offerings
but embraces
each separate thing
into One Love
that knows no bounds

Do you read God’s law written within your heart?
Does it bring delight?
What new song do you hear?

1 Samuel 9:1-4,17-19, 10:1; Psalm 21:2=7; Mark 2:13-17

granted
our heart’s desire
for love
we follow
the one who calls
healer
of our soul
we live
in the freedom
of knowing
who we are
loved
and blessed
in God’s care
and compassion
living
in a harmony
only imagined
we sing
of God’s glory
and give
what we have been given

Have you been granted your heart’s desire?

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 God’s justice
God’s love
of all

Do you offer yourself to His healing presence?