Numbers 11:25-29; Psalm 19:8-10;, 12-14; James 5:1-6; Mark 9: 38-43, 45, 47-48

in fear
we separate
from all that would
keep us from
our source
of love
we turn to
spirit
and listen
to a living law
that gives life
not riches
that harden hearts
condemning
and killing righteousness
riches that grow
moth eaten and corroded
we seek
in want
of love
we listen to that
which brings joy

Do we separate from all that would keep us from God?
Do the precepts of the Lord give joy to our heart?

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is an appointed time
for everything,
and a time for every thing
under the heavens.
A time to be born,
and a time to die;
a time to plant,
and a time to uproot the plant.
A time to kill,
and a time to heal;
a time to tear down,
and a time to build.
A time to weep,
and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn,
and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones,
and a time to gather them;
a time to embrace,
and a time to be far from embraces.
A time to seek,
and a time to lose;
a time to keep,
and a time to cast away.
A time to rend,
and a time to sew;
a time to be silent,
and a time to speak.
A time to love,
and a time to hate;
a time of war,
and a time of peace.

What time is it now?

Eccl 1:2-11; Psalm 90:3-17; Luke 9:7-9

we leave
the despair
of vanity
where nothing
is new
the eye
not satisfied
with seeing
the ear
not satisfied
with hearing
we enter
the wisdom
of God
where each day
dawns
a kindness
that fills us
with a new song
of joy
in our heart
as we find
a refuge
in the heart
of God

Do you find refuge in the heart of God?

Proverb 30:5-9; Psalm 119; Luke 9:1-6

with nothing
but His word
we journey
through this life
relying only
on God’s power
and authority
to guide
our way
resisting
falsehood
seeking only
the law of love
that heals
and restores
our soul
every word
we speak
is tested
and the truth
endures
forever

What do you rely on to guide your life?

Proverbs 21:1-6,10-13; Psalm 119:1,27,30,34,35,40; Luke 8:19-21

to hear
the Word
and act on it
proves
a heart
set right
in God’s eye
not our own
far from
haughtiness
arrogance
and pride
we listen
and meditate
on the Truth
set before us
living
and breathing
Justice

Are you open to God’s word and act on it?

Proverbs 3:27-34; Psalm 15:2-5; Luke 8:16-18

words of wisdom
flow
for our benefit
proverbs
for life
to hearts
full of fear
of death
and sickness
sorrow and
ignorance
igniting a Light
that cannot be
hidden
or extinguished
for God sees
into our hearts
knowing
our longings
healing
in His time
and wisdom
through our faith
that we may endure

Where is your faith?

Wisdom 2:12, 17-20; Psalm 54:3-8; James 3: 16-4:3; Mark 9:30-37, 42-49

our hearts exposed
you read us
and know
our murderous quests
our jealousy and strife
so far from wisdom
we climb over
one another
to test
with revilement
and torture
we quarrel and fight
so far from our hearts
desire
to love
if only
we were to ask rightly
wisdom would come
and uphold our lives
with peace
and mercy
and sympathy
leniency
and kindly deeds
leaving war behind
a child raised up
we welcome the innocence
see this new life
and seek to serve
the love
that has been
freely given

Do we dare ask rightly and enter wisdom?
Do we see the child we are to become?
Do we see the love we are to serve?

1Cor 15:35-37, 42-49; Psalm 56:10-14; Luke 8:4-15

seed sown
within
we are
more
than our body
that perishes
Spirit
that breathes
and guides us
protecting us
from all
that would steal
our soul
and mind
a rich soil
that nourishes us
we set our roots
deeply
into
God’s presence

Are your roots drawn deeply into God’s loving presence?

Eph 4:1-7,11-13 Psalm 19:2-3-5; Matthew 9:9-13

to those
who are lost
in cynicism
and despair
selfishness
or greed
he calls us back
to our unity
our wholeness
in God
and with
each other
to live
worthy
of God’s calling
in gentleness
patience
love
and peace
in awe
of who we are
in God
and with
humility

Are you in awe of who we are?

Luke 7: 36-50

at his feet
we see a path
a way
and put
our faith there
forgiven much
we love much
ever grateful
of the gift
given
and do not
neglect it
absorbed
in God’s word
we act on it
saving ourselves
and those
who will listen

What is the gift you have been given?
How do you use your gift?