1Cor 4:1-5; Psalm 37:3-40; Luke 5:33-39

trusting
in God
doing good
we take delight
in God’s way
we become
a new creation
as His light
dawns in our heart
even as we see
hate
and unforgiveness
in our hearts
we turn our eyes
toward the One
who offers
refuge
strength
courage
and salvation

Where do you turn in times of struggle and stress?
Where do you place your trust?
Do you love yourself?

Luke 5:1-11

seeking mercy
we cast our nets
into deep waters
hoping to see
God’s goodness
and love
ready to leave
everything
to follow
and be strengthened
with patience
endurance
and joy
longing to share
the good news
of God’s will
God’s love of all
and be delivered
from the darkness
that surrounds us
no longer
afraid

Have you cast your net into the deep waters?
Are you ready to leave everything to follow?

Luke 4:38-44

in our sickness
He reaches
out His hand
and we
are healed
stepping back
into our life
we give thanks
and proclaim
God’s goodness
and presence
among us
trusting
always
in the mercy
of God

Do you trust in the mercy of God?

1 Cor2:10-16; Psalm 145:8-14; Luke 4:31-37

His word
that holds
authority
drawing out
the demons
of our heart
and expelling them
gives us
a new life
in the spirit
that scrutinizes
even the depths
of God
amazed
by the goodness and kindness
mercy and compassion
that we behold
we follow

What demons are drawn from your heart?
Do you behold the great mercy of God?

 Luke 4:16-30

hope
beyond death
in God’s Spirit
we long to be raised up
leaving
our fears
and anxieties
knowing
a God
who reveals
a Holy Spirit
even in the ordinary
in the day to day
praying
to be graced with
ears to hear
and eyes
to see
God’s love
in All

How do you see God’s love?
How do you share God’s love?

Dt. 4:1-2, 6-8; Psalm 15: 1-3; James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

perfect gift
the word of Truth
planted within our heart
we hear the ancient law
of Moses
beating within us
we do God’s justice
in love of all
purified from within
our soul fed
we are saved
from evil
ways of greed
and malice
deceit and envy
arrogance and harm
reaching out to widow
and orphan
and abandoned–
we abandon
ourselves to God
becoming doers
of God’s word
not hearers only

Do you hear and act on the word of God in your heart?
Do you disregard God’s words and cling to human traditions?

1Cor 1:26-31; Psalm 33:12-13,18-19;20-21; Matthew 25:14-30

leaving
the image
of a punishing God
we behold
a great power
of love
who delivers us
from death
preserves us
in famine
who is our help
our shield
God of love
we see mercy
and forgiveness
and surrender all
to our infinite source
and creator

What voice of God do you hear?
What God embraces you?

1Cor 1:17-25; Psalm 33:1-5,10-11; Matthew 25:1-13

falling
praying
to be seen
to be known
praying
that we never hear
I do not know you
by the One
who is love
praying
not to be left
behind
that we always carry
what is essential
with us

What is this essential oil we cannot share?
Do you fear not being known?
Do you feel the anguish of being left out or left behind?

Memorial of John the Baptist
Mark 6:17-19

in fear
of another’s thoughts
and opinion
we do
what we do not wish
disregarding
the voice
of Wisdom
within
that asks for pause
and contemplation
of our greatest gift
of undying love
capable
of reaching
beyond enmity
creating a peace
that only heaven
knows

Where do you find wisdom?
Do you pause to hear Wisdom’s voice?
Do you trust what you hear?
Do you dare to love your enemy?

1Thes 2:9-13; Psalm 139: 7-12; Matthew 23:27-32

With God
who searches our heart
and knows us
there is
nowhere
to run
or fly
or hide
from God’s love
shining
into
the dark tomb
of us
bringing 
Light
to where
there was
none
enlightened
we see
what has
always been
what will
always be
a pure love
and we
lay down
our arms
and live
in God’s mercy
goodness
and kindness

Where do you try to run and hide?
Have you experienced his light shining within you?
Have you laid down your arms?