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

seeing
with compassion
our suffering
and groaning
is heard by God
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 Holy Spirit in all you experience?

Matthew 11:20-24

resisting
warning
prophecy
and woe
we persist
in our ways
devoid
of moral compass
lost
and running
until God
in infinite mercy
and grace
reveals
an irresistible love
that changes
everything

How have you been touched by God’s irresistible love?
How do you respond to God’s mercy?

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 God’s justice
God’s 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?

Isaiah 55:10-11; Psalm 65:10-14; Romans 8:18-23; Matthew 13:1-23

seed sown
seeking rich soil
where they
will not be snatched
scorched
or choked
by the harshness
of the world

so it is
as God’s word
seeks the rich soil
of our hearts
for deep rootedness
where all the fruits
of God’s goodness
can grow

Is your heart prepared for God’s word?

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?

Where do you see the face of God?

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?

Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13; Psalm 115:4-10; Matthew 9:32-38

sowing
with wind
we reap
the whirlwind
of destruction
worshiping
gold and silver
selling love
eyes that see not
ears that hear not
noses that smell not
we become
the death
we create
until we are touched
by the incarnate word
of God
alive
breathing
seeing
hearing
and walking
upon the earth
we take God’s hand
and live

What are your idols?
Where are God’s words alive in you?