1Thes 2:1-18; Psalm 139:1-6; Matthew 23: 23-26

no matter
our story
God comes
with Truth
and love
and mercy
understanding
our hearts
and minds
and souls
ever with us
as a mother
who nourishes
her child
we have only
to see
what is ever
before us
and say
yes
to love
on this
we are
judged

Do you say “yes” to God’s love?
Do you feel known and understood by God?

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

flourishing
faith
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 makes the gift sacred?

Isaiah 66:18-21; Ps 117:1, 1; Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13; Luke 13: 22-30

called from the ends of
the earth
to the narrow door
we enter
one by one
into His Life
not as one
social event
but into
a way of life
mind
body
and soul
disciplined
we die
to our self
shedding all
that is false
all that is evil
and live in
the fruit
of peace
and justice
with all
who are trained
in his wisdom

Do we tell the world of His good news?
Are we strengthened by His word?

Revelations 21:9b-14; Psalm 145:10-18; John 1:45-51

we come and see
the One
with no duplicity
and are witness
to the undivided heart
that sees
the glory
and splendor
of God
with the angels
among us
at work
we behold
we listen
we follow
and give thanks

Do you experience the glorious splendor of God?

Ruth 1:1,3-6,14-16,22; Psalm 146:5-10; Matthew 22:34-40

you who
open our eyes
raise us up
and protect us
give us hope
and your love
wherever
we go
you are there
wherever
we live
you live
a love
with heart
and soul
and mind
received
is given
freely
on this
justice
all depends

Have your eyes been opened?

Jgs 11:29-39; Psalm 40:5-10; Mt 22:1-14

making no vow
but to love God
with our whole heart
our whole soul
our whole mind
we accept the invitation
to live within
the realm of grace
coming to do
God’s will
for love
not offering sacrifice
or burnt offerings
but mercy
kindness
and compassion?

What vow do you make?

Judges 11:29-39; Psalm 49:5-10; Matthew 22:1-14

there is no time
in God’s calling
each receiving
completeness
as we cross over
into a reality
that bears all love
receives all goodness
and peace
beyond what the world
can bear
or understand
we leave
our worship
of all that is false
and temporal
for the way
of blessing

Is your life completed in God?
Do you follow the way of blessing?

Judges 2:11-19; Psalm 106:34-44; Matthew 19:16-22

letting go
of all
that possesses us
we see
our treasure
in heaven
the heart
of God’s goodness
come to earth
in a love
that is within
yet beyond us
His commands
calling us
from idolatrous ways
to a Truth
that feeds
and sustains us

Do you let go of all that possesses you?

Jeremiah 38: 4-6, 8-10; Hebrews 12: 1-4; Psalms 40: 2-4, 18; Luke 12: 49-53

eyes fixed on Jesus
we are ignited
fires of spirit
we know
who we are
standing in his Truth
we are one
inspired
cut off
from all
that is untrue
raised
from starvation
and thirst
to a song of mercy
placed within us
we endure
with Him
and do not grow despondent
nor abandon the struggle
with our eyes fixed
on Him

Are your eyes fixed on Jesus?
Do you receive your strength from Him?

Matthew 19:13-15

held in the arms
of love
a child
knows who she is
and learns
the Trust
and Courage
needed to live
the day to day

sunrise
to sunset
being called
to a devotion
that all of life
is sacred
in God’s eyes
and to be seen
with the wonder
of a child
always curious
always questioning
and trusting
the Presence of another
to answer

Do you see with the wonder of a child?
Do you trust in God’s presence?