2/19/23 Through 2/25/23

 2/19/23 Through 2/25/23

Sunday

Like Him, our destiny is love

To thus enjoy the land above

For in that land, no sin exists

And only love up there persists

So learn to sacrifice each day

And take the chains of sin away

That giving as the Father gives

We might be welcomed where He lives.

Monday

Wisdom comes from One who reigns

And goes to where the Wise One deigns

For all is known to Him alone

Foundation of His glorious throne

So, who can understand her ways

Or penetrate her knowing gaze?

A fool, she shows the wise of earth

While humble given second birth

Her generosity extends

To poor and humble she befriends

For when they call she showers down

The humble, knowing, wisdom crown

She gives to those who freely call

The strong and brave, or weak and small

The gift is given those who ask

To guide them in their every task.

Tuesday

If you come to serve the Lord

Prepare for great ordeal

For often here your sole reward

Is far from the ideal

Anger is the first response

When ways are shown as wrong

For wickedness, secure ensconced

Will status quo prolong

Not everyone will share your joy

Nor view your change a good

Exposing sin will much annoy

Who act not as they should

So stand your ground, be firm and true

Give not the way to sin

Be loving when they challenge you

In hope their heart to win

Wednesday

In ashes end our evil ways

Bring lasting change these forty days

To humble soul and contrite heart

Your everlasting grace impart

Grace to sacrifice our way

Grace to hear You and obey

Grace to turn our wills toward You

Grace to love in all we do

Bless our land with holy leaders

Straight and strong as giant cedars

Give this people love for Jesus

One alone who truly frees us.

Thursday

Much in profit, little gained

When all of earth has been obtained

For all on earth shall pass away

And all is naught that final day

Pursue the light that never ends

For flesh, to only evil tends

But crucify that way instead

And find within, the spirit fed

For life and death we choose each day

A prosperous, or cursing way

So choose the former and you'll see

Eternal life was meant for thee.

Friday

Is the fasting I do very pleasing to you?

Am I growing in love every day?

Have I learned how to pray an acceptable way?

Is there love in the alms that I pay?

Growing closer to You in the things that I do

Is the goal of this daily endeavor

A stripping away, to my selfishness slay

And learn how to love in forever.

Saturday

How do we treat the day of the Lord,

As one to be rested and fully restored,

Or as one to be following whims of our own

And never the love of our God to make known?

The day of the Sabbath was made for the man

To peer into heaven as far as he can

To see how important that knowing Him is

And joy of the turning of ours into His

In the giving of all, the all we obtain

The things of the earth we now see as vain

But only this vision will come with the cost

Of counting our gains as paradise lost

So set the Sabbath day aside

To rest, and there with Him abide

That so, you'll find yourself renewed

And closer to the Spirit wooed.