When I begin my day with scripture lessons that follow the lectionary I set aside the option of choosing my "favorites"...you know...the uplifting ones...the ones that meet me softly and or joyfully. This week's lessons are of the "prickly" variety...at least that's how they seem on first reading. But even as I read of vineyands being broken down, swords splitting relationships in two, hammers that shatter, fires that devour.... something hopeful is stirring.

I am drawn into the heart of God...who knows the rhythms of my mind. Every false notion that emerges is met face to face with God's purifying truth. All that is a lie dissolves in God's presence, and in that space there is a stabilizing voice, God's Word, that will guide me to thought and action that is fruit-full!!!!!

Perhaps my exposure to lavish HOPE this past weekend (at Daybreak: Renewing Hope) has fed my tendency to look at all glasses as half full. Perhaps I am excited about the possibilities trembling in the open places at CRLC. Or, may, just maybe, God is taking some initiative here.

Look at the reading from Jeremiah... God speaks fervently here! God's Hope ultimately squelches efforts which produce bitter fruit. God's Hope is that people will pay attention to guidance which produces fruit that is sweet with mercy and justice for all.

I have been touched by God who is reminding me that every time I turn away from something false I am met immediately by God who desires that every life (including mine...including yours) be rooted in truth so that it yields unimaginable good...

Hmmm... this could be an interesting week!!!!!