Genesis. 9:8-15; Psalm 25:4-9; Pt 3:18-22; Mark 1:12-15

this is our time
a time fulfilled
as floods
of destruction
turn to waters
of baptism
we see God
and have no wish
to destroy
but to save
God’s promise
in our hearts
we follow
to the desert
tempted
by worldly visions
of power
and wealth
and pleasure
we resist
and turn to
God’s ways
of love and truth
kindness
compassion
and goodness
sustained
by the Spirit
we go out
with Good News

By what are you tempted?
How do you resist?

Isaiah 58: 9-14; Psalm 86: 1-6; Luke 5: 27-32

crying out
into
the darkness
of God
whom we trust
as good
and kind
forgiving
and merciful
we are answered
with light

healed
we see
the hungry
and poor
homeless
and oppressed
and respond
restoring
and repairing
all that
was lost
and broken
His spirit
our guide

How has God answered your cry?

Isaiah 58: 1-9; Psalm 51: 3-10; Matthew 9: 14-15

a contrite
heart
that sees
the other
in their hunger
in their homelessness
in their nakedness
in their oppression
and shares
shelters
clothes
and releases
turning back
to their own
entering
the light
that breaks forth
like the dawn
where healing comes
and God says
“I am here”

Do you hear the cry of the poor?
Who are the poor in your life?

Dt 30: 15-20; Psalm 1:1-6; Luke 9: 22-25

we take up
our cross
daily
our work
and follow
choosing life
over death
in this strange
place of dying
to a self
in time
and law
to an eternal life
lived in
the goodness
and love
of God

How do you see the cross as choosing Life?

Joel: 2:12-18; Psalm 51: 3-6, 12-17; 2Cor 5: 20-6:2, Mt 6: 1-6, 16-18

now
is our time
to return
with our whole
heart
fasting
weeping
and mourning
for what
has been lost
that we
may enter
God’s mercy
and compassion
and experience
the joy
of salvation
in a new heart
with a
steadfast Spirit
not for show
or gain
but for Love

Do you see your time as now?

Mark 8: 14-21

do you not see?
do you not hear?
do you not understand?
there is enough
do not let
you hearts
be hardened
by the religion
of the Pharisees
and the politics
of Herod
but live
in the holy spirit
who guides us
to share in faith
with love and joy
patience and peace
kindness and gentleness
for the common good
in God’s justice
God’s love for all

Is your heart troubled and hardened by religion and politics?
Do you see the path of the Holy Spirit?
Do you follow?

James 1:1-11; Psalm 119:67-76; Mark 8:1-13

asking in faith
not doubting
we are given
all we need
no miraculous sign needed
just a love
and grace
given freely
knowing
that though we pass away
as the flower
in the field
our soul lives on
in the joy of the Lord

Do you ask God for what you need in faith?
What do you receive?

Lv 13: 1-2, 44-46; Psalm 32: 1-2, 5, 11; 1 Cor 10: 31-11: 1; Mk 1: 40-45

set apart
in our sickness
we shout
“unclean”
living
in isolation
and waiting
faith

turning to God
in our sorrow
and agony
we reach out
to his will
for our healing

no longer
set apart
and alone
we are filled
we joy

Who do you set apart?
How do you bring healing?

1Kings 12:26-32, 13:33-34; Psalm 106:6-7,19-22; Mark 8:1-10

His heart moved
by our hunger
we are invited
to share
all we have
one to another
our bread
gathered
blessed
and broken
in thanks
for the gift
of giving
making no idol
of bread
but offered
in worship
of the Spirit
who inspires
all as gift

What inspires you to share all you have?

1Kings 11:29-32,12:19; Psalm 81:10-15; Mark 7:31-37

“Be opened”
To God’s healing touch
upon your ears
your mouth
and your hardened heart
to hear His voice
of love
guiding you
in new ways
of Being
away from hatred
weapons
and war
to kindness
generosity
and peace

What does kindness, generosity and peace look like?
How do we create it?