Romans 8:28-30; Psalm 13:6AB,6C; Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23

conforming
to His image
all things
work
for good
for those
who love God
called
we live
according
to God’s purpose
God’s love
for all
we rejoice
and say “yes”
to each
invitation
of grace

How do you respond to God’s invitation?

Col 1:15-20; Psalm 100:1-5;Luke 5:33-39

in troubled times
we dare
to sing
joyfully
and serve
with gladness
as we see love
among us
reconciled
through
His cross
we are
made new
through
a love
a Presence
that holds
all things
together
in a kindness
that endures
forever

Have you been made new through God’s love?
Do you serve with gladness?

Col 1:9-14; Psalm 98:2-6; Luke 5:1-11

casting our nets
into
deep waters
we see
God’s goodness
and love
we leave
everything
and follow
singing
praise
strengthened
with patience
endurance
and joy
we share
the news
of God’s will
God’s love
of all
and are
delivered
from darkness
no longer afraid

Have you cast your net into the deep waters?
What do you find there?

1Cor 3:1-9; Psalm 33:12-21; Luke 4:38-44

reminded
of who we are
God’s co-workers
God’s field
God’s building
we persevere
in times of hardship
struggle
and disillusion
relying on our faith
in God’s love
and God’s mercy
for healing
and restoration
even as we live
in the unknowing

Where does your faith live?
Do you remember who you are?
Where is the good news?

1 Cor2:10-16; Psalm 145:8-14; Luke 4:31-37

what is there
about his word
that holds
such authority
drawing out
the demons
of our heart
and expelling them
we are given
a new life
in the spirit
that scrutinizes
even the depths
of God
amazed
by the goodness and kindness
mercy and compassion
that we behold
we follow

What demons are drawn from your heart?
Do you behold the great mercy of God?

Dt. 4:1-2, 6-8; Psalm 15: 1-3; James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

planted within our heart
we hear the truth
the ancient law of Moses
beating within us
giving life
we do God’s justice
in love of all
purified from within
our soul fed
we are saved
from the evil
ways of
greed and malice
deceit and envy
arrogance and harm
reaching out
to widow
and orphan
to the abandoned–
we abandon
ourselves
to God
becoming doers
not hearers only
of His word

Do you cling to human tradition or do you hear God’s word and act on it?

1Cor 1:26-31; Psalm 33:12-13,18-19;20-21; Matthew 25:14-30

leaving
the image
of a punishing God
we behold
a great power
of love
who delivers us
from death
preserves us
in famine
who is our help
our shield
God of love
we see mercy
and forgiveness
and surrender all
to our infinite source
and creator

What voice of God do you hear?
What God embraces you?

1Cor 1:17-25; Psalm 33:1-5,10-11; Matthew 25:1-13

what wisdom
in this cross
this crucified one
this Son of God
accepting
a death
in a silence
beyond
our ways
of knowing
appearing foolish
as we seek
escape
yet
standing ready
at the door
in faith
His love
appears again
as our hearts
are opened
and flooded
with the light
of God’s love
eternal

Is the door of your heart opened God’s light and love?

1Cor 1:1-9; Psalm 145:2-7; Matthew 24:42-51

we hear
His words
to stay awake
for His coming
is now
in every
spiritual gift
given
day to day
for our blessing
and blessing others
with God’s goodness
imparted to us
as we sing
of God’s justice
and mercy
kindness
compassion
and love
never giving up hope
in God’s presence

Are you awake to God’s word?
Does God’s word bless your day?
Do you bless others?

Presence

It begins with some event.
Some event that overcomes us
with awe
or terror
or helplessness.
Something that tells us we are not alone.
Or something that makes us feel so alone
and helpless
that we cry out into its darkness.
It begins with some event.

It never ends.
It is a step into something
eternal
that keeps calling.
Even as we may shun it,
ignore it,
run from it,
try to control
it is itself.
Wholly other
yet somehow wholly us.
Holy.

It questions.
Answers.
Consoles.
Lifts us to unimaginable heights.
Throws us into unimaginable depths.
It fills us with words.
Calls itself the Word.
And then takes all the words away.

It gives form to all being.
Then takes the form away.

Only love endures.
Even in hate.

It makes us stay still.
It makes us quiet
as it invites its presence.
We can use a sacred word
but it has no power
and it cannot hear it.
It senses only our intent
and desire for our relationship.
For our love.
For our communion.

It asks for everything.
It will not let any part be left out.
Our most glorious
and our most horrible self
come before it
In praise and remorse.

Soon it is not it.
It is beloved.
It is the air we breathe.
The sea we swim in.
The ground we walk on.

Ever present
Ever loved.

Presence.