Matthew 5: 38-42

letting go
of the violence
of possession
we give
our coat
and walk
the extra mile
giving
to the one
who asks
enduring
in affliction
and hardship
with patience
and kindness
and love
seen as poor
and sorrowful
or dying
we live
in joy
having
all we need
in God
we sing
and rejoice

Have you let go of the violence of possession?

Ez 17:27-24; Psalm 92:2-3,13-16; 2 Cor 5:6-10; Mark 4:26-31

a seed sown
taking root
in God’s time
grows
past our limits
into its enormity
holding all of life
sacred
within it
even in old age
bearing fruit
its branches rejoice
and proclaim
goodness
to the dawn
we walk
in the faith
of the planted seed

Do you have faith in planted seed?

1Kings 19:19-21; Psalm 16:1-10; Matthew 5:33-37

saying yes
when we mean yes
and no
when we mean no
we follow
God’s counsel
with God’s love
set ever before us
knowing
who we are
we leave all
behind
and enter
God’s joy
abiding
in the confidence
of His Presence

What have you left behind to follow?

1Kings 19:9-16; Psalm 27:7-14; Matthew 5:27-32

not in the wild wind
not in the earthquake
but in a whisper
God came to him
who longed to hear
who longed to see
God’s face
waiting
with courage
and hope
we listen
deeply
and thoughtfully
for God’s word
knowing
how our thoughts
take root
and guide
our actions
we seek
to be
God’s love

Where do you hear God’s word?
How does it take root in your life?

1Kings 18:42-46; Psalm 65:10-13; Matthew 5:20-26

following
the source
of love
and joy
and peace
in our life
we let go
of our anger
and fears
and enter
a deeper faith
with God
who is within us
and by our side
through all
of life’s challenges
by His cross
we find
our way

How do you follow the source of love, joy and peace?
How do you find your way by His cross?

1Kings 18:20-39; Psalm 16:1-11; Mt 5:17-19

fulfilling
the law of love
we see
the kingdom of heaven
as we follow
the path of life
living
in God’s presence
each moment
we move
and have our being
no longer feeling
separate
and afraid
but as part of God’s goodness
where our Spirit
is safe and secure

How do you see the law of love working in your life?

1Kings 17:7-16; Psalm 4:2-8; Mt 5:13-16

hungry
you feed us
and provide
gladness
into our heart
as your light
shines upon us
a love
and joy
greater than
we could imagine
comes to us
as we allow ourselves
to see your face
in all we do
even as the cares
and darkness
of the world
tries to diminish
your light
it shall not be contained

Do you feel the God’s gladness in your heart?

Matthew 5:1-12: The Beatitudes

He began to teach them, saying:

Genesis 3:9-15; Psalm 130:1-8; 2Cor 4:13-5:1; Mark 3:20-35

living in God’s will
for love
God’s love for all
we are not discouraged
even as our
outer self
is wasting away
our inner self
is being renewed
day by day
through prayer
looking not
at what is seen
but the unseen
which is eternal
a love
that lasts
even as all else
may be destroyed
in this
we put our faith
and hope
in this
we live
with joy

Is your inner self renewed day by day through prayer?

2Timothy 4:1-8; Psalm 71:8-9,14-22; Luke 2:41-51

in a time
of diversion
from Truth
we persist
in pondering
God’s words of love
in our hearts
whether convenient
or inconvenient
we stay awake
to His Presence
praising
with music
and song
that brings forth
the joy in our hearts

Do you persist in pondering God’s words of love in your heart?