Matthew 12:1-8

desiring
mercy
not sacrifice
we are lead
to act
with freedom
in God’s
unconditional love
giving food
shelter
comfort
forgiveness
and kindness
offering
ourselves
to what is needed

How do you respond to the need for mercy in the world?

Isaiah 26:7-9,12,16-19; Psalm 102:13-15; Matthew 11:28-30

seeing
with compassion
our suffering
and groaning
is heard
and a voice
speaks
into our heart…
“come to me
all who labor
and are burdened
and I will give you
rest”

Do you find your rest in God’s love and compassion

Matthew 11:25-27

with
child-like
wonder
and awe
we see God
as our light
revealing
God’s splendor
to us
hidden
in every
being
and leaf
and grain
of sand
shimmering
with a love
we cannot
refuse
to accept
or give

Do you see with child-like wonder?
Where do you see God in all you experience?

Psalm 95:8

if today
you hear
God’s voice
harden not
your heart

How do you keep your mind and heart open to God’s voice?
What do you hear

Isaiah 1:10-17; Psalm 50: 8-9,16-17,21 and 23; Matthew 10:34-11:1

God’s love
above all
our guide
no ritual
or ceremony
can take the place
of His justice
His love of all
in care
and compassion
giving
and forgiving
of one another
in grateful
praise

How do you experience God’s love in your life?

Amos 7:12-15; Psalm 85: 8-14; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:7-13

hearing
God’s calling
we follow
living out
our faith
through kindness
Truth
Justice
and Peace
with a sense of purpose
and Joy
knowing God’s love for us
and for All
even in the face of opposition
we let go
into God’s embrace
resisting
the violence
in our hearts

Do you follow God’s calling to Love?
Do you resist the violence in your heart?

Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 63:1-2,5; Matthew 10:24-33

fearing
what would destroy
our soul
we peer
into the darkness
and find
the voice
of Light
whispering
of a healing
Presence
that touches
our lips
and we proclaim
the Truth
of a Love
without condition
existing
for its own
Goodness
indestructible
in God
here for all
as Justice

What Light do you find in the darkness?
What Truth?

Hosea 14:2-10; Psalm 51:3-4,8-9,12=14,17; Matthew 10:16-23

persevering
in faith
to the end
we are saved
by God’s devotion
mercy
and love
a forgiveness
that frees us
to be
more humane
in our living
sustaining us
through
a willing Spirit
turning us
to the purifying Light
of God’s blessing and love

To what are you devoted?
How are you sustained by the Holy Spirit?

Hosea 11:1-9; Psalm 80:2,3,15-16; Matthew 10:7-15

loving us
from the beginning
calling us out of darkness
into the light
even in our waywardness
you show us
mercy and love
recognizing your presence
in our life
we are saved
and follow
in simplicity
your way of love
healing
and showing compassion
even as we may experience
rejection or hardship
we move forward
in peace
our minds
and hearts
on you
and heaven
among us

Do you experience God’s presence, love and mercy?
Do you move forward in peace even when rejected or experiencing hardship?

Hosea 10:1-3,7-12; Psalm 105:2-7; Matthew 10:1-7

seeking
the Lord
with all our hearts
with all our minds
with all our soul
we leave behind
all of our idols
and enter
a new field
sowing
justice
and love
and peace
reaping
the fruit
of reverence
answering
His call
to love
and serve
our hearts sing
of the joy of heaven
that is at hand

What do you sow?
What do you reap?