Isaiah 45:1-6; Psalm 96: 1-10; Thess 1:1-5; Mt. 22:15-21

in the rising
and setting sun
we live
in the light
of God
laboring in
love
living in
love’s power
Holy Spirit
in our breath
upon our lips
we speak
God’s love
with conviction
rendering
all to God
as all
is God’s
not acting
for human favor
but for
the love of God
the love
of all

Do you give to God what is God’s?
What belongs to God?

Romans 4:13; 16-18; Psalm 105: 6-9; 42-43; Luke 12:8-12

we sing
for joy
at the goodness
that comes
from the one
who gives
Life
to the dead
and calls
into being
what does not
exist
Holy Spirit
guide
of our thoughts
and words
and life
teach us
to choose
Life
every day
at every
turn

How do you choose Life?
How does the Holy Spirit guide your day?

Romans 4:1-8; Psalm 32:1-11; Luke 12:1-7

in times
of trouble
we turn to God
and reveal
the darkness
of our hearts
praying for
the light of Truth
that informs
and saves us
from our fear
and the guilt of sin
that separates us–
receiving God’s mercy
and grace
we open
to the joy
of God’s never ending love
and give thanks

Do you turn to God in times of trouble?

Romans 3:21-30; Psalm 13:1-6; Luke 11:47-54

made right
by our faith
in God
we see
beyond
the law
to all
that is Good
in this
we Trust
where
forgiveness
and mercy
reside
showering
the Light
and Love
of Peace
on all
who wait
in the Lord

In what do you put your faith?

2Timothy 4:10-17; Psalm 145:10-18; Luke 10:1-9

sent out
to labor
lambs
among wolves
the harvester
carries
no money
no sack
no sandals
depending
on the kindness
of strangers
curing the sick
revealing
a kingdom
of God
within
and among us
to all who
have eyes
to see

Who do you depend on?

Romans 1:16-25; Psalm 19:2-5; Luke 11:37-41

a wrath
we cannot
acknowledge
or bear to see
knowing only
the injustice
of our own
yet it bears
upon us
in our idolatry
a stranger
to our creator
in our worship
of our own creations
doing violence
to each other
in our lack
not knowing
our need
until God’s presence comes
to show us
our way
a door is opened
into the Light
of God’s glory
residing in all
as Love
that gives alms

How do you experience the wrath of God?
How do you respond?

Luke 11:29-32

insecure
in our faith
we demand
a sign
turning
ourselves
into slaves
rejecting
the wisdom
of repentance
and the sign of Jonah
condemning
ourselves
to judgment
until we hear
God’s voice
of freedom
singing
in our soul

What sign do you demand?
What voice do you hear?
What voice do you follow?

Psalm 23

letting go of want
I rest beside
still waters
refreshing my soul
guided by His presence
to right paths
even as I walk in
dark valleys of death
I do not fear
for His courage
is with me
as goodness
and kindness
follow me
all the days
of my life

Do you let go of want?
Do you rest in God’s presence?
Do you experience the goodness, kindness and love of God?

JL 4:12-21; Psalm 97:1-12; Luke 11:27-28

in the valley
of decision
we hear
the voice
of God
and follow
we are glad in it
and give thanks
for darkness
and clouds
may be
all around
but His Light
dawns
in justice
upon all

Are you in a valley of decision?
What do you hear?

JL 1:13-15-2:1-2; Psalm 9:2-3,6,8,9; Luke 11:15-26

a kingdom
divided
will not stand
so we live
in the undivided heart
singular
in our devotion
to the One
who brings us
Truth
Goodness
and Love
giving thanks
each moment
for the protection
God brings
from our doubts
and confliction
temptation
and fear
with one sweeping gesture
His Light
of clarity
dawns
and we are free

Do you live with an undivided heart?