1Thessalonians 2:1-8; Psalm 139; Mark 6:17-29

word of God
passing through
our being
not from delusion
or impure motive
not from flattering speech
or greed
not seeking praise
or for pleasing others
but for God alone
who knows
our heart
always before us
and behind us
resting
His presence on us
gentle
caring
and loving
challenging
and revealing
we live in God’s strength
and courage
one is God’s love

How do you experience God’s word?

1Thes 1:1-5,8-10; Psalm 149:1-9; Matthew 23:13-22

under the strain
of deceptions
stress
and doubt
our faith
is tested
easily led astray
we pray
with deep trust
in the God
of love
and mercy
who resides
within
knowing
that is where
our strength
courage
and truth
reside

Do you feel your faith being trusted?
Where does your strength and courage reside?

Isaiah 22:15,19-23; Psalm 138: 1-8; Romans 11: 33-36; Mt 16: 13-20

like a peg
in a sure spot
your love
is secure
eternal Son
of the living God
you ask
who we are
do we see
our own
salvation
and follow
surely
securely
in this love
freely given
not forsaking
the hands
that have made us
but trusting
and giving thanks

How do you think God sees you?
Who do you say Jesus is?

Ruth 2:1-11,4:13-17; Psalm 128:1-5; Matthew 23:1-12

letting God’s word
become
our practice
we awaken
to God’s
ever presence
we are beholden
to no other
humbled
we embrace
the freedom
we receive
letting go
of all that binds us
giving
and receiving
forgiveness
and loving kindness

Do you let God’s word become your practice?

Ruth 1:1,3-6,14-16,22; Psalm 146:5-10, Matthew 22: 34-40

loving God
with our whole heart
our whole soul
our whole mind
we love
our neighbor
as ourselves
through this
all law
is fulfilled
our eyes
are opened
our ears hear
we are
at peace

What is love?

Rev 21:9-14; Psalm 145:1-18; John 1:45-51

without duplicity
he comes
calling us
to a new way
of seeing
open eyes
and hearts
we leave
our preconceptions
and enter
love’s realm
extending
compassion
and loving-kindness
without reservation
because of the heaven
we have seen
through God’s eyes

Have your eyes been opened?

Judges 9:6-15; Psalm 21:2-7; Matthew 20:1-16

knowing
who we are
serving
our purpose
we have
no need
to dominate
or threaten
or be envious
fulfilled
in God’s justice
of love for all
our hearts
are opened
to God’s word
that is living
and effective
able to discern
the reflections
and thoughts
of our heart
bringing us
home

How does God work in your heart?
Are you fulfilling life’s purpose?

Judges 6:11-24; Psalm 85:9-14; Matthew 19:23-30

with us
in every detail
of our lives
the God
of kindness
and Truth
meets us
we let go
of all
that would hinder
and live there
ever conscious
of the Holy Spirit
working in our lives
revealing
God’s glory

Do you experience God in every detail of your life?

Jgs 2:11-19; Psalm 106:34-44; Matthew 19:16-22

letting go
of all our possessions
and all that possesses
we enter
our poverty
knowing we own
nothing of value
to our soul
we open
heaven’s gate
to find
our treasure
in God’s goodness
a place of peace
a place of love
without conditions
where we are completed

Do you dare to leave all your possessions?
Do you have the courage to leave what possesses you?
What is Jesus asking of you?

Isaiah 56:1,6-7; Psalm 67; Romans 11:13-15,29-32; Matthew 15:21-28

we beg
mercy
for our children
we seek
healing–
our desire
our faith
breaking
through barriers
with our love
our seeking
healing
comes from one
who sees
our heart
of faith
may God
be gracious
and God’s face
shine upon us
that this world
may be saved
and sing
its song
of joy

Have you experienced God’s healing?
Do you know the joy of God’s mercy?
Do you feel God’s face shining upon you?