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 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?
What makes the gift of your life sacred?

Joshua 24:1-2;, 15-18; Psalm 34: 2-3, 9, 16-21; Eph 5: 21-32; John 6:60-69

Spirit that gives life
we rise from flesh
to follow
our one true God
of love
who is close to
our broken hearts
he rescues us
in our distress
our bones shall not
be broken
even as we suffer
with him
in him
we are loved
we love
in ways
we could not imagine
this great mystery
of Christ
God’s love
alive within us
eternal

Do you feel God with you in your time of sorrow?
Do you follow the God of love?

Ez 43:1-7; Psalm 85:9-14; Matthew 23:1-12

God’s glory
shown
our spirit
lifted
a voice
speaks
of a peace
and kindness
we long for
not shrouded
in formality
as a heavy burden
but in the freedom
found
in the love
and care
of one another
this
is what we serve

Do you experience the freedom of God’s love in another?

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

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

Can you let go of fear and anxiety?
Do you experience the glorious splendor of God?

Ez 36:23-28; Psalm 51:12-19; Matthew 22:1-14

our vision
cleared
we regain
our sight
and hearts
of stone
become
hearts of flesh
love
returns
as the Spirit
dressed
in Truth
guides
our completion
no longer
subject
to cruelty
we live
in the Presence
of compassion

Do you have a heart of compassion?

Ezekiel 34:1-11; Psalm 23:1-6; Matthew 20:1-16

abandoned
by our shepherds
we are lost
and look
into our hearts
where God speaks to us
of love and goodness
there is
no partiality
in God’s love
as we labor
in God’s field
each receiving
All
in a generosity
that bears fruit through
the Holy Spirit
we shall want
for nothing
as we see
each spiritual gift
unfold
before us
and shepherd us
home

What do you hear in your heart?
Do you experience God’s love and generosity?

Ezekiel 28:1-10; Dt 32:26-30; 35-36; Matthew 19:23-30

leaving
all attachment
images
and possessions
we pass
unburdened
through
the eye of the needle
impossible
on our own
we enter
the possibilities
of God
where each moment
turns
towards
of light
of knowing
beholding
the transforming
beauty
and Glory
of God

Can you let go of all you think you need?
What do you find?

Proverbs 9:1-6; Psalm 34:2-7,9; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58

come to the house
of Wisdom
she will
feed you
she who knows
life
living bread
of Christ
our meal
we taste
and see
the goodness
of the Lord
wine of goodness
life and spirit
not drunkenness
ignorance
and foolishness–
in awe
we are taught
the ways of goodness
and peace
from she who knows

Do you know her–Wisdom?
Do you know him–the Christ?

Ezekiel 18:1-19,, 13B,30-32; Psalm 51:12-18; Matthew 19:13-15

our hearts
cleared
our Spirit
renewed
our joy
returns
and a willing
Spirit
sustains us
with the innocence
of a child
we return
to wonder
no longer
preying
upon one another
but living
in peace

Do you have a willing spirit?
Has peace found you?