1Thes 4:13-18; Psalm 96:1,3,4-5,11-13; Luke 4:16-30

anointed
by God’s love
He brings
good news
that opens
our eyes
and sets us
free
no longer
captive
and oppressed
we sing
a new song
to the Lord
the heavens
are glad
the earth
rejoices
the sea
and what fills it
resounds
the trees exult
as we hear
of God’s justice
God’s love
of All

Are you overwhelmed by God’s love?
Does God’s love fill you with hope and joy?

Jeremiah 20: 7-9; Psalm 63; Romans 12: 1-2; Mt 16: 21-27

our hearts
a burning fire
shut up
in bones
thirsting
for God’s will
we present
ourselves
as a living
sacrifice
to be
transformed
renewed
by what
is good
and perfect
letting nothing
or anyone
stand
in our way
we give all
to follow
this love

Do you feel the fire of God’s love in your bones?
Do you let your very self be transformed by it?

1Thes 4:9-11; Psalm 98:1,7-9; Matthew 25:14-30

taught by God
to love one another
we share our lives
and talents
aspiring
to a tranquil life
in God’s peace
alive
in the song
of God’s creation
we share
the justice
of His Love
for all
knowing in the One
there are many
bound together
in Joy

Do you share God’s love with all?
Do experience God’s peace?
Do you live in the Joy of the Lord?

1Thes 4:1-8; Psalm 97: 1-2; 5-6, 10-12; Matthew 25:1-13

we wait
keeping
all that
is essential
for life
in you
our living
flame
of love
burning
in a purity
not our own
we live
in a holiness
that rejoices
in glory
never
knowing
the hour
or the day
creating
an ever-presence
of your love

What is the oil you cannot share?
How do you wait for his coming?
Is He already here?

1Thes 3:7-13; Psalm 90:3-5, 12-17; Matthew 24:42-51

stay awake
stand firm
in faith
let your heart
be strengthen
with God’s love
and sing for joy
at the daybreak
that brings
wisdom
and kindness
through His word
to the world

Are you awake to God’s presence in your life?
Do you stand firm in your faith believing in God’s goodness?

1Thes 2:9-13; Psalm 139: 7-12; Matthew 23:27-32

with God
who searches our heart
and knows us
there is
nowhere
to run
or fly
or hide
from God’s love
shining
into
the dark tomb
of us
bringing
Light
to where
there was
none
enlightened
we see
what has
always been
what will
always be
a pure love
and we
lay down
our arms
and live
in God’s mercy
goodness
and kindness

Where do you try to run and hide?
Have you experienced his light shining within you?
Have you laid down your arms?

2Thes 2:1-3,14-17; Psalm 96:10-13; Matthew 23:23-26

God’s word
living and effective
discerns
the reflections
and thoughts
of our heart
cleansed
within
and without
our vision
is cleared
we are set free
to see God’s love
at work in the world
encouraged
day by day
through grace
we turn away from blind guides
and serve the God of love

Is God’s word living and effective in your love?
What and who do you serve?

2Thes 1:1-5,11-12; Psalm 96:1-5; Matthew 23:13-22

flourishing
faith
not dependent
on blind guides
brings forth
the sacred
in all
God’s gifts
not mistaking
the form
for its source
we sing
and bless
God’s awesome
presence
even in our affliction
we know
we are safe
in God’s love
and grace

What does your faith depend on?
How do you see your life as sacred?

Isaiah 22:15,19-23; Psalm 138: 1-8; Romans 11: 33-36; Mt 16: 13-20

like a peg
in a sure spot
our love
is secure
in the living God
asked
who we are
we see
our own
salvation
and follow
surely
securely
in this love
freely given
not forsaking
the hands
that have made us
but trusting
and giving thanks

How do you think God sees you?
Who do you say Jesus is?

Ruth 2:1-11,4:13-17; Psalm 128:1-5; Matthew 23:1-12

letting God’s word
become
our practice
we awaken
to God’s
ever presence
we are beholden
to no other
humbled
we embrace
the freedom
we receive
letting go
of all that binds us
giving
and receiving
forgiveness
and loving kindness

Do you let God’s word become your practice?