1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 39:20-28; Eph 1:17-18; Mark 2:23-28

not judging
by appearance
God looks
deeply
into our heart
for goodness
and strength
offering us
a Sabbath
for re-creation
and renewal
where we are nourished
on the love
offered us
and the gifts
of the Holy Spirit
enlightening
the eyes of our heart
and the hope
of our calling

How do you see others?
Do you let yourself be nourished by the Sabbath?

Love
is the only force
capable of
turning an enemy
into a friend.
(MLK)

Love your enemies.
Darkness cannot
drive out darkness;
only light
can do that
Hate cannot
drive out hate
only love
can do that
(MLK)

Love your enemies.
I have decided
to stick
with love.
Hate is too great
a burden
to bear.
(MLK)

Love your enemies.
I believe
that unarmed truth
and unconditional love
will have the final word
in reality.
(MLK)

Love your enemies.
(Jesus)

1Samuel 3:3-10,19; Psalm 40:2-10; 1Cor 6:13-20; John 1:35-42

hearing
your calling
I awaken
seeking
the source of you
who writes
your will
upon my heart
returning
to the garden
where all
was created
as good
my body and soul
a temple
of you
Holy Spirit
of our being
we know
what we are looking for
and it is love
and in you
it is found

What are you looking for?

1 Samuel 9:1-4,17-19, 10:1; Psalm 21:2=7; Mark 2:13-17

granted
our heart’s desire
for love
we follow
the one who calls
healer
of our soul
we live
in the freedom
of knowing
who we are
loved
and blessed
in God’s care
and compassion
living
in a harmony
only imagined
we sing
of God’s glory
and give
what we have been given

What is your heart’s desire?

1Samuel 8:4-7,10-22; Psalm 89: 16-19; Mark 2:1-2

lowered
down
into
His Presence
in our infirmity
we are touched
by His light
healed
of all
the distortions
of sin
strengthened
in our humanity
by His Divine embrace
we stand
knowing
no earthly king
can bring
what is ours
through His justice
God’s love
of all

Do you offer yourself to His healing presence?

1Samuel 4:1-11; Psalm 44:10=22, 14-15, 24-25; Mark 1:40-45

the mercy
of the God
not of our making
or control
provides
victory
or defeat
healing
or not
as we carry
our burdens
in the Light
of faith
traveling
to the deserted places
for what
he has to offer
to our uncertain fate
we surrender
in love

What is the mercy of God?

1Samuel 3:1-10,19-20; Psalm 40: 2,5,7-10; Mark 1:29-39

the morning light
dawns
on us
and through
its silence
we hear you
and our heart
ignites
into a fire
of desire
to do your will
as we hear
you whisper
“here I am”
a hand
outstretched
to heal
we rise
to serve
in all we do
the love
we have come
to know
as you

What love do you serve?

1Samuel 1:9-20; 1Samuel 2:1,4-7; Mark 1:21-28

we cry out
we pray
for new life
and that our enemies
and demons
be taken away

deep into
the Life
of Christ
our enemies flee
our demons
are expelled
as we are given
new life
through Him
who comes as Truth
we follow
His Light
through our darkness

What Truth do you follow?

the skies open
and a Holy Spirit
descends
on a beloved son
from a God
well pleased
he comes to us
who wait
in anticipation
wondering
and waiting
in our hearts
for good news
of peace-
grasping
our hand
with no
partiality
He forms us
opening
our eyes and
setting us free
in the light
of His justice
His love for all
we share in
His good works
blessing
and
healing

Do you accept the grasp of His hand?
Do you accept the blessing of peace?

Isa 60.1-6; Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Eph 3.2, 3, 5, 6; Matt 2.1-12

seeking distant stars
we travel
wanderers
weary of dark
seeking to know
who we are
made in longing
we are needy
poor
as we hunger
for truth
for freedom
oppressed by greed
we know we are more
waiting
longing
watching
biding our time
then other travelers
come
to tell us
the time is here
no longer a distant star
no longer a distant time
the gift has been given
the sight of Him
who inspires
an open heart
we open to a love
beyond the boundaries
of what we have known
first
God within us
then among us
in each other
even into the boundaries
of our enemy
“then you shall be
radiant in what you see
your heart shall throb and overflow”

What is your treasure that you would give?