They were outsiders, just as the foreigner
unclean, by their sins, unable
barred from the fellowship
from the temple
in the outer darkness
needing the intervening
the sacrifice and ritual
the priests to be made clean
to enter in once more
He was the new high priest
a personal, direct, saving
without an intermediary
being made clean, in supplication
praying to God
Falling at His feet in praise
October 13, 2007 8:00am
Luke 17:11-19
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Prostrated
The foreigner, the outsider
again the means
a lesson for the people,
the disciples with Him
those who could not see
forgetful, blind
The foreigner recognized, had sight
fell at God’s feet, Jesus’ feet
praising the living God
for his healing, his saving
made clean by the Son
and fully aware
while the covenant people
remained blind
October 13, 2007 7:47am
Luke 17:11-19
again the means
a lesson for the people,
the disciples with Him
those who could not see
forgetful, blind
The foreigner recognized, had sight
fell at God’s feet, Jesus’ feet
praising the living God
for his healing, his saving
made clean by the Son
and fully aware
while the covenant people
remained blind
October 13, 2007 7:47am
Luke 17:11-19
Increase Your Number
Wherever you are,
even in a time of exile,
of trial, of struggle
of wandering in the wilderness
wherever you are3,
called to increase our number
to teach the old, old lessons
to spread the good, good news
make more believers,
more people of God
to multiply, to increase
our numbers
so even more
can be brought back home
October 12, 2007 10:01pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
even in a time of exile,
of trial, of struggle
of wandering in the wilderness
wherever you are3,
called to increase our number
to teach the old, old lessons
to spread the good, good news
make more believers,
more people of God
to multiply, to increase
our numbers
so even more
can be brought back home
October 12, 2007 10:01pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Resident Aliens
A people in a foreign land
resident aliens,
making homes, lives
histories away from their homeland
Living out their days
those of their children
in exile; but placed there
sent there by God
A call to faithfulness
to God, even there,
where they were
resident aliens
in a foreign land
October 12, 2007 9:52pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
resident aliens,
making homes, lives
histories away from their homeland
Living out their days
those of their children
in exile; but placed there
sent there by God
A call to faithfulness
to God, even there,
where they were
resident aliens
in a foreign land
October 12, 2007 9:52pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Do Not Decrease
Even in exile, in captivity,
in prison in a foreign land
we are to stand true, to be faithful
to be strong, to hold tightly
to our faith in our God
to support and protect,
encourage, instruct
our brothers, our sisters
Knowing we were not taken
but were sent there by God
to live and multiply our number.
October 12, 2007 10:04pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
in prison in a foreign land
we are to stand true, to be faithful
to be strong, to hold tightly
to our faith in our God
to support and protect,
encourage, instruct
our brothers, our sisters
Knowing we were not taken
but were sent there by God
to live and multiply our number.
October 12, 2007 10:04pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Multiply There
For the chosen people
the people of the first covenant
the covenant of blood
told by God, to multiply
in their time of exile
to multiply the people of faith
For us, the people of the new covenant
the same call to multiply
our numbers in exile
in our foreign land
this time in the wilderness
before we come home
to the New Jerusalem
multiplying our numbers
those with whom
we fulfill the call,
to share the good news
to make disciples
more sheep for the shepherd
more people of faith
October 12, 2007 9:44pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
the people of the first covenant
the covenant of blood
told by God, to multiply
in their time of exile
to multiply the people of faith
For us, the people of the new covenant
the same call to multiply
our numbers in exile
in our foreign land
this time in the wilderness
before we come home
to the New Jerusalem
multiplying our numbers
those with whom
we fulfill the call,
to share the good news
to make disciples
more sheep for the shepherd
more people of faith
October 12, 2007 9:44pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Living in the Foreign Land
More than making the most
the best of a bad situation
No this was more than that
This was a letter from the prophet
proclaiming the will, the judgment,
the word of God for the forgetful
the unfaithful children
sent to that foreign lands
subservient to another empire
used by God, instruments for training
A hard lesson, meted out in God’s time
Living in the foreign land
where God sent them
to live, planted, grounded
as citizens of that foreign land
residents, loyal to
their home, faithful
to their God
October 12, 2007 9:18pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
the best of a bad situation
No this was more than that
This was a letter from the prophet
proclaiming the will, the judgment,
the word of God for the forgetful
the unfaithful children
sent to that foreign lands
subservient to another empire
used by God, instruments for training
A hard lesson, meted out in God’s time
Living in the foreign land
where God sent them
to live, planted, grounded
as citizens of that foreign land
residents, loyal to
their home, faithful
to their God
October 12, 2007 9:18pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Into the Foreign Land
They were sent, sent by God
sent into a foreign land
using a foreign people
to chasten, to refine
His people for their
lack of faith,
their turning away
from the God of their ancestors
who saved them
watched over them
ready for a loving union
if they would follow the law
founded on love,
on loyalty, trust
in the Creator
the Father, God
October 12, 2007 9:01pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
sent into a foreign land
using a foreign people
to chasten, to refine
His people for their
lack of faith,
their turning away
from the God of their ancestors
who saved them
watched over them
ready for a loving union
if they would follow the law
founded on love,
on loyalty, trust
in the Creator
the Father, God
October 12, 2007 9:01pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
A Letter from Home
Before the final fall of the kingdom
the home of the king,
the Temple of God
A message of hope,
a call to sincere faith
of the struggle to come
A letter from home
The prophet speaking
of faithfulness to the people,
the priests, the leaders
in exile in a foreign land
Build homes, marry
bear children and multiply
pray for the city where you live
your place for this season
known by God
where you have been placed.
October 12, 2007 8:43pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
the home of the king,
the Temple of God
A message of hope,
a call to sincere faith
of the struggle to come
A letter from home
The prophet speaking
of faithfulness to the people,
the priests, the leaders
in exile in a foreign land
Build homes, marry
bear children and multiply
pray for the city where you live
your place for this season
known by God
where you have been placed.
October 12, 2007 8:43pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Friday, October 12, 2007
Into the Potter’s House
Walking into the house
of the skilled potter,
the maker of vessels
for the stuff of life
for water and grain
for wine and for keeping
precious things of life
May we be vessels
for the precious things of life,
useful for the potter,
for our fellow man
for the world over which
we share dominion
in our time
May we hold and pour out
love and hope and justice
for all the people of the earth
for the environment
now and forever
Mindful of the footprints
we leave behind
in all we do, all we use
the legacy we leave
on the earth
and in the hearts
of our fellow citizens
of this good earth
October 12, 2007 7:54pm
Jeremiah 18:1-11
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,750+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
of the skilled potter,
the maker of vessels
for the stuff of life
for water and grain
for wine and for keeping
precious things of life
May we be vessels
for the precious things of life,
useful for the potter,
for our fellow man
for the world over which
we share dominion
in our time
May we hold and pour out
love and hope and justice
for all the people of the earth
for the environment
now and forever
Mindful of the footprints
we leave behind
in all we do, all we use
the legacy we leave
on the earth
and in the hearts
of our fellow citizens
of this good earth
October 12, 2007 7:54pm
Jeremiah 18:1-11
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,750+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Not the Tabernacle
Not the tent.
the brick,
the stone, the wood,
a foundation, walls,
maybe even plumbing,
if we bring the story
to the present day
There was a deep message
of being anchored,
placed here for the long haul
a message of hope
even in the pruning time
the waiting, for the change
down the road
God told the less than faithful
to plant, to grow, to bear children
in a foreign land, to be one people
waiting patiently, for His promise
His promise of saving, once again
He would not forget them;
but they were going to wait
in Babylon, out in the world
away from the Temple,
the city of the King
They were in exile, and would be
not in the tents, but in their houses
We too, must remember
we are to flourish where we are
waiting for the coming
when it comes
A God who has been faithful
so must we be
faithful to the end
Whenever it comes
October 12, 2007 7:32pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
the brick,
the stone, the wood,
a foundation, walls,
maybe even plumbing,
if we bring the story
to the present day
There was a deep message
of being anchored,
placed here for the long haul
a message of hope
even in the pruning time
the waiting, for the change
down the road
God told the less than faithful
to plant, to grow, to bear children
in a foreign land, to be one people
waiting patiently, for His promise
His promise of saving, once again
He would not forget them;
but they were going to wait
in Babylon, out in the world
away from the Temple,
the city of the King
They were in exile, and would be
not in the tents, but in their houses
We too, must remember
we are to flourish where we are
waiting for the coming
when it comes
A God who has been faithful
so must we be
faithful to the end
Whenever it comes
October 12, 2007 7:32pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
His Words
Lord, I ask, I pray
The words in the poems
the words I put onto the page
the lines of text, their precision
their beauty, their meanings
my hope, my prayer
If I am listening
that still small voice,
calling me to write
these aren't my words
not at all at all
but God speaking
through me.
That is my prayer
at least, that I
can be an instrument
for His truth, His love,
His glory, here on earth.
October 12, 2007 7:24pm
The words in the poems
the words I put onto the page
the lines of text, their precision
their beauty, their meanings
my hope, my prayer
If I am listening
that still small voice,
calling me to write
these aren't my words
not at all at all
but God speaking
through me.
That is my prayer
at least, that I
can be an instrument
for His truth, His love,
His glory, here on earth.
October 12, 2007 7:24pm
All of my
poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved.
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage. See all 27,490+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Powerful Videos = The Potter's House
Powerful Videos - especially "Are You Ready", "Behold" and "Watch and Pray", at http://www.pottershouse.com/downloads_drama.asp
Planetary Emergency
Life as we know it
hangs in the balance
if the predictions, the fear,
come to pass, if the ice
vanishes and the seas rise
if the wind blows warmer
where it is hot, wetter
where the floods come,
hotter all around
As he said in the news today
it is a planetary emergency
a systemic crisis
brought on by our hubris
our forgetting that dominion
means more than using up
the precious gifts of creation
that we are to be stewards
not only consumers
that the future is our responsibility
not just the present, our time
we must think and correct
the sins of the fathers
Now!
October 12, 2007 10:40am
based on the statements of former
Vice President Al Gore on winning
the Nobel Peace Prize for his work
on global climate change
and on the true meaning of
Genesis 1:28
hangs in the balance
if the predictions, the fear,
come to pass, if the ice
vanishes and the seas rise
if the wind blows warmer
where it is hot, wetter
where the floods come,
hotter all around
As he said in the news today
it is a planetary emergency
a systemic crisis
brought on by our hubris
our forgetting that dominion
means more than using up
the precious gifts of creation
that we are to be stewards
not only consumers
that the future is our responsibility
not just the present, our time
we must think and correct
the sins of the fathers
Now!
October 12, 2007 10:40am
based on the statements of former
Vice President Al Gore on winning
the Nobel Peace Prize for his work
on global climate change
and on the true meaning of
Genesis 1:28
Thursday, October 11, 2007
So Far to Go
Yes, we have far to go
so far to go in this world,
in this country, in the work
of the Savior, to spread love
to all our neighbors, to be a neighbor
to all in need, to all, no matter
their color, their creed,
to walk with our brothers,
our sisters, to fight for them
when they are attacked
To speak out against
intolerance, hate, cowardice
to say to those with the epithets,
with the lyrics, the noose, the swastika
the hate, that we are not afraid
that love conquers all,
that hope will prevail
if we have faith
so far to go in this world,
in this country, in the work
of the Savior, to spread love
to all our neighbors, to be a neighbor
to all in need, to all, no matter
their color, their creed,
to walk with our brothers,
our sisters, to fight for them
when they are attacked
To speak out against
intolerance, hate, cowardice
to say to those with the epithets,
with the lyrics, the noose, the swastika
the hate, that we are not afraid
that love conquers all,
that hope will prevail
if we have faith
edited August 3, 2014
So Far to Go – v2
October 11, 2007
4:07
So Far to Go
based on the finding a noose on the door
of a Columbia professor, the shooting in Ohio,
and the Jenna Six, etc., etc.
&
edited
February 12, 2014
more
to dream – v9
(editing
version 5)
edited
February 12, 2014
more
to dream – v8
(editing
original again)
Edited
October 25, 2013
more
to dream – v7
Edited
September 10, 2013
more
to dream – v6
Edited
September 8, 2013
more
to dream – v5
(editing
version 3)
edited
August 31, 2013
more
to dream – v4
Edited
August 30, 2013
more
to dream – v3
Edited
August 30, 2013
more
to dream – v2
August
30, 2013
more
to dream
inspired
by Twitter post
by
Alicia Keys
“Dr. King taught
the world to believe in the power of a dream. There's so much more to dream #MLK #MarchOn“
&
her embedded link
&
August
28, 2013
“the
weight of this moment”
speech
of President Obama
at
50th anniversary of
the
“I Have A Dream” speech
by
the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
8/28/1963
&
earlier
poems
January
21, 2013
Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day
and
his final speech before his assassination
and
Inauguration of the President
Barack
Hussein Obama
Invocation
by
Myrlie Evers-Williams
Inaugural
Address
&
quote
in the speech, “"Our journey is not complete until
our
gay brothers and sisters are treated like
anyone else under the law"”
&
&
several
poems written in 2009
on
the juxtaposition of the
80th
birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
and
the inauguration of Barack Obama
as
President of the United States of America
&
&
edited
January 19, 2015
Changing
the Wind – v3
(merging
edits to original and version 2)
Edited
July 22, 2013
“changing
the wind – v2”
December 7, 2007
“changing the wind”
Based on the comments of Jim Wallis on
Speaking of Faith, November 29, 2007
He was talking about whether to change politicians
or change the wind, to change the public opinion
which guides politics. He used the example
of President Johnson’s statement to the
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that it would
take 5 years for a voting rights bill but
it actually took 5 months to pass the Voting Rights Act,
after the March in Selma.
All
of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,
2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights
reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 35,260+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Calm
In a lot of ways
that was the greatest compliment
I could have been given
at that moment in that place
standing before the judge,
telling the story
that had been lost in the law
in the code, in the costs
telling the story
that he could not tell
without too much emotion
too raw, too urgent
Speaking for him
in that cathedral space
a hall of justice,
or maybe more of a room
but able to get the points
out in a calm, measured way
that was the greatest compliment
I could have been given
at that moment in that place
standing before the judge,
telling the story
that had been lost in the law
in the code, in the costs
telling the story
that he could not tell
without too much emotion
too raw, too urgent
Speaking for him
in that cathedral space
a hall of justice,
or maybe more of a room
but able to get the points
out in a calm, measured way
Cutting Through the Tension
Oh to take down,
the Sword of Damocles,
and cut the tension
from the air,
to slice the stress
render it moot, lifeless
would have been glorious
in a courtroom
where jail was
a constant threat
for the caught
the Sword of Damocles,
and cut the tension
from the air,
to slice the stress
render it moot, lifeless
would have been glorious
in a courtroom
where jail was
a constant threat
for the caught
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Gilbert Doesn’t Have to Go to School
Tom can get the cash,
and Gilbert doesn’t have to go
to that public school first.
October 10, 2007 11:54am
“PER CURIAM. The judgment is affirmed by an equally divided Court. JUSTICE KENNEDY took no part in the decision of this case.”, BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, PETITIONER v. TOM F., ON BEHALF OF GILBERT F., A MINOR CHILD, 552 U. S. ____ (2007) (Slip Opinion, Oct. 10, 2007)
and Gilbert doesn’t have to go
to that public school first.
October 10, 2007 11:54am
“PER CURIAM. The judgment is affirmed by an equally divided Court. JUSTICE KENNEDY took no part in the decision of this case.”, BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, PETITIONER v. TOM F., ON BEHALF OF GILBERT F., A MINOR CHILD, 552 U. S. ____ (2007) (Slip Opinion, Oct. 10, 2007)
A Noisy World
Can you picture the world,
following the command
in the scripture page
Do you hear the world
making that joyful noise
are the colors loud enough
for you to hear their song
are the trees’ cries strong enough
for you to feel their joy
are the hills, the mountains,
the plains, yes even the deserts
are they singing a joyful song
to our God and our Creator?
Do the animals, of every shape and size
every color and species
do they sing for joy?
Are you?
October 10, 2007 11:06am
Psalm 66:1-12
following the command
in the scripture page
Do you hear the world
making that joyful noise
are the colors loud enough
for you to hear their song
are the trees’ cries strong enough
for you to feel their joy
are the hills, the mountains,
the plains, yes even the deserts
are they singing a joyful song
to our God and our Creator?
Do the animals, of every shape and size
every color and species
do they sing for joy?
Are you?
October 10, 2007 11:06am
Psalm 66:1-12
Words of the Apostles
Words of the Apostles
handed down through time
from the earliest trials
to the latest age
a creed of our beliefs
shared over the millennia
connecting every believer
one to another, timeless
Words without end,
without beginning
save for the glorious creation,
resurrection, and second coming
a holy mantra read aloud
shared in the congregation,
in communion, around the globe
and down through the ages
October 10, 2007 5:17am
The Apostle’s Creed
handed down through time
from the earliest trials
to the latest age
a creed of our beliefs
shared over the millennia
connecting every believer
one to another, timeless
Words without end,
without beginning
save for the glorious creation,
resurrection, and second coming
a holy mantra read aloud
shared in the congregation,
in communion, around the globe
and down through the ages
October 10, 2007 5:17am
The Apostle’s Creed
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Donning His Sandals
When you look down
what do you see,
regardless of what
you are wearing.
Do you see the Master’s feet;
are you wearing His sandals
today?
Are you reaching out
to those in need,
caring for your neighbor,
witnessing to the good news
in your life, your walk.
Slip on the sandals,
feel them, their memory,
wrap around your feet
Walk in His sandals
today.
October 9, 2007 12:42pm
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2007/10/donning-his-sandals.html
what do you see,
regardless of what
you are wearing.
Do you see the Master’s feet;
are you wearing His sandals
today?
Are you reaching out
to those in need,
caring for your neighbor,
witnessing to the good news
in your life, your walk.
Slip on the sandals,
feel them, their memory,
wrap around your feet
Walk in His sandals
today.
October 9, 2007 12:42pm
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2007/10/donning-his-sandals.html
All of my
poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved.
Contact me at Ray
Foss for usage. See all 30,810+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
For the Long Haul
Like Israel, we are in it,
for the long haul;
the coming of the Messiah
the second coming,
like their return from exile,
unknown to us, mere mortals
We must act as we were taught
live within the land we find ourselves
remaining in the world,
not of the world and,
like the maidens with the oil,
be ready for the bridegroom
whenever He comes again
October 9, 2007 12:01
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Matthew 25:1-13
1 Timothy 6:6-19
for the long haul;
the coming of the Messiah
the second coming,
like their return from exile,
unknown to us, mere mortals
We must act as we were taught
live within the land we find ourselves
remaining in the world,
not of the world and,
like the maidens with the oil,
be ready for the bridegroom
whenever He comes again
October 9, 2007 12:01
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Matthew 25:1-13
1 Timothy 6:6-19
A Joyful Noise
A grateful relief
is the scripture,
to make a joyful noise
How wonderful, for me,
if not for the others around me in worship
that the King of Kings calls us
to only make a joyful noise
Freedom to praise in song
even when we could never, ever,
join the choir. How wonderful
to joyfully join those who could
in the pews of the sanctuary
in songs of praise and worship
to our God
is the scripture,
to make a joyful noise
How wonderful, for me,
if not for the others around me in worship
that the King of Kings calls us
to only make a joyful noise
Freedom to praise in song
even when we could never, ever,
join the choir. How wonderful
to joyfully join those who could
in the pews of the sanctuary
in songs of praise and worship
to our God
==================
edited October 2, 2019
A Joyful Noise – v2
&
October 10, 2007 11:06am
A Noisy World
&
October 9, 2007 11:51am
A Joyful Noise
Psalm 66:1-12
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted
by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008,
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. All
rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)
for usage. See all 52,160+ of my poems
at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Bible, choir, church, creator, Faith, God, hope, joy, poem,
poetry, Poetry Where You Live, Psalm, Psalm 66, Raymond A. Foss, , sanctuary,
scripture, worship,
#Bible #choir #church #creator #Faith #God #hope #joy #poem
#poetry #Psalm66 #sanctuary #scripture #worship
Healed by God
Ten were sent to the priests
to be made clean
but one was healed, saved of his sins
by returning and praising God,
who had healed him
October 9, 2007 6:30am
Luke 17:11-19
to be made clean
but one was healed, saved of his sins
by returning and praising God,
who had healed him
October 9, 2007 6:30am
Luke 17:11-19
Praying for Babylon
A stark, surprising message
from the prophet this day,
to settle down and live,
within captivity; the foreign land
to pray for Babylon while yet captive
to build and plant and live
where you are planted
October 9, 2007 6:21am
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
from the prophet this day,
to settle down and live,
within captivity; the foreign land
to pray for Babylon while yet captive
to build and plant and live
where you are planted
October 9, 2007 6:21am
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Monday, October 08, 2007
A Smile at the Kitchen Table
There was a smile waiting for me
on my arrival, taking a break
a smile waiting for me at the kitchen table
a smile of spicy brown mustard
on the provolone slice
smiling at me, to bring a smile
to my face too. Funny how simple things
remind us of the joy of the moment
of the moments we can share
as a family, amid the clutter of life
even a smile of yellow-brown
can bring smiles around the table
and with this poem, maybe,
around the world
October 8, 2007 4:15pm
on my arrival, taking a break
a smile waiting for me at the kitchen table
a smile of spicy brown mustard
on the provolone slice
smiling at me, to bring a smile
to my face too. Funny how simple things
remind us of the joy of the moment
of the moments we can share
as a family, amid the clutter of life
even a smile of yellow-brown
can bring smiles around the table
and with this poem, maybe,
around the world
October 8, 2007 4:15pm
Telling the Teacher
A family story
of my need for a mommy
and a teacher, to be distinct
and separate from one another
Talking with my mommy
all the way to church
in the ride from home
Telling my Sunday School teacher
all about my week
as if she hadn’t been there too
October 8, 2007 9:48am
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,820+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
of my need for a mommy
and a teacher, to be distinct
and separate from one another
Talking with my mommy
all the way to church
in the ride from home
Telling my Sunday School teacher
all about my week
as if she hadn’t been there too
October 8, 2007 9:48am
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,820+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Faith is Now
Increase our faith
was the plea; but
they misunderstood
the nature of faith
the faith of Abraham,
of true believers
Faith is now, in the moment
in the doing, the feet to the faith
not to save and use later
Faith is the action of the believer
showing the world their belief
their being the message,
the servant, the shepherd,
the herald, the apostle
the evangelist
out in the world
October 7, 2007 4:23pm
Luke 17:5-10
and the sermon, “Increase Our Faith”,
by the Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH October 7, 2007
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
was the plea; but
they misunderstood
the nature of faith
the faith of Abraham,
of true believers
Faith is now, in the moment
in the doing, the feet to the faith
not to save and use later
Faith is the action of the believer
showing the world their belief
their being the message,
the servant, the shepherd,
the herald, the apostle
the evangelist
out in the world
October 7, 2007 4:23pm
Luke 17:5-10
and the sermon, “Increase Our Faith”,
by the Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH October 7, 2007
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Be More Loving
Be more loving,
by loving more,
be more faithful
by living your faith,
grow in faith
by acting in faith
outside our comfort zone
testing ourselves
by our faith
so as to be more faithful,
more fruitful;
bearing more fruit for the kingdom
more souls who have heard
the good news
of our faith
October 7, 2007 3:13pm
Luke 17:5-10
and the sermon, “Increase Our Faith”,
by the Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH October 7, 2007
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
by loving more,
be more faithful
by living your faith,
grow in faith
by acting in faith
outside our comfort zone
testing ourselves
by our faith
so as to be more faithful,
more fruitful;
bearing more fruit for the kingdom
more souls who have heard
the good news
of our faith
October 7, 2007 3:13pm
Luke 17:5-10
and the sermon, “Increase Our Faith”,
by the Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH October 7, 2007
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Use the Faith You Have
The disciples, before the passion,
asking for more faith.
Not understanding, yet appreciating
the faith deep within their hearts
the faith they would us, with power,
with authority, with passion
in the days after the Pentecost
Use the faith you have the Master said
and we have all been blessed
ever since. For they did just that,
in their individual, human ways;
they lived the faith they had
and we all have faith
because of their faithfulness
in spite of their fears
October 7, 2007 3:09pm
Luke 17:5-10
and the sermon, “Increase Our Faith”,
by the Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH October 7, 2007
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
asking for more faith.
Not understanding, yet appreciating
the faith deep within their hearts
the faith they would us, with power,
with authority, with passion
in the days after the Pentecost
Use the faith you have the Master said
and we have all been blessed
ever since. For they did just that,
in their individual, human ways;
they lived the faith they had
and we all have faith
because of their faithfulness
in spite of their fears
October 7, 2007 3:09pm
Luke 17:5-10
and the sermon, “Increase Our Faith”,
by the Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH October 7, 2007
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Faith Like Muscle
Like living growing muscle
so is our faith
growing by use, by testing,
by struggle and strain
building faith like muscle
in the doing, in the living,
in the joy of the race
not on the sideline
believing is seeing
doing is believing
October 7, 2007 3:03pm
Luke 17:5-10
and the sermon, “Increase Our Faith”,
by the Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH October 7, 2007
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
so is our faith
growing by use, by testing,
by struggle and strain
building faith like muscle
in the doing, in the living,
in the joy of the race
not on the sideline
believing is seeing
doing is believing
October 7, 2007 3:03pm
Luke 17:5-10
and the sermon, “Increase Our Faith”,
by the Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH October 7, 2007
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Red Sumac
A field, not a forest
of swaying red
of red sumac,
warming from yellow to red
in the fall air
warming in the mid-morning sun
red blood red sumac
with ripe fruit hanging heavy
below the red leaves
caught in the breezes
swaying to the rhythm
of the wind
October 7, 2007 2:50pm
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
of swaying red
of red sumac,
warming from yellow to red
in the fall air
warming in the mid-morning sun
red blood red sumac
with ripe fruit hanging heavy
below the red leaves
caught in the breezes
swaying to the rhythm
of the wind
October 7, 2007 2:50pm
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Rekindle the Gift of God
Each day is a new day,
another day given for us
to choose how to use it
for good or for ill
for fallow of harvest
Use each day
to rekindle the gift of God
the knowledge of the gift,
the sacred gift of grace
bonding us to God
a living gift of faith
of believing without seeing
or seeing because of the believing
rekindling the gift of God
the flame of love
deep within our beings
within our souls,
within our hearts
October 7, 2007 2:46pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
another day given for us
to choose how to use it
for good or for ill
for fallow of harvest
Use each day
to rekindle the gift of God
the knowledge of the gift,
the sacred gift of grace
bonding us to God
a living gift of faith
of believing without seeing
or seeing because of the believing
rekindling the gift of God
the flame of love
deep within our beings
within our souls,
within our hearts
October 7, 2007 2:46pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
A Treasure of Faith
We are all carrying, in our hearts
a treasure of faith, rich, good treasure
which cannot be taken, not like ephemeral goods
this treasure is written on our hearts
the good news and testimony,
gifts of God, our Savior, and the faithful
who have come before us.
A legacy of love and hope
for us all; a living treasure of faith
enabling us to live our faith each day
October 7, 2007 2:43pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,830+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
a treasure of faith, rich, good treasure
which cannot be taken, not like ephemeral goods
this treasure is written on our hearts
the good news and testimony,
gifts of God, our Savior, and the faithful
who have come before us.
A legacy of love and hope
for us all; a living treasure of faith
enabling us to live our faith each day
October 7, 2007 2:43pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,830+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Guard the Good Treasure
We are to guard the good treasure
the gift of faith handed down to us
by those faithful who went before us
those living their faith; those who have
stayed true to their faith and brought us
to the word, the saving word of God
Keep true to these lessons, these truths
these gifts shared with us
Hold tight to the living faith
within our hearts, mindful always
of the dangers in the world,
that caused the need for Your sacrifice
in the first place
October 7, 2007 2:38pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
the gift of faith handed down to us
by those faithful who went before us
those living their faith; those who have
stayed true to their faith and brought us
to the word, the saving word of God
Keep true to these lessons, these truths
these gifts shared with us
Hold tight to the living faith
within our hearts, mindful always
of the dangers in the world,
that caused the need for Your sacrifice
in the first place
October 7, 2007 2:38pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Not According to Our Works
Thank you God, that I am not destined
to be measured by my works,
that I will not have to weigh,
my good and bad karma,
to fashion a further step upward,
or downward, in a next life
that You gift, Your saving gift,
is all I need, in faith
to claim an eternal prize,
communion with you
help me ever, to act
as if my fate rested on my works
to fall in supplication and praise
at Your feet, to bear witness
to the gospel, the good news
of Your love and Your sacrifice
that makes us all whole once more
October 7, 2007 2:35pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
to be measured by my works,
that I will not have to weigh,
my good and bad karma,
to fashion a further step upward,
or downward, in a next life
that You gift, Your saving gift,
is all I need, in faith
to claim an eternal prize,
communion with you
help me ever, to act
as if my fate rested on my works
to fall in supplication and praise
at Your feet, to bear witness
to the gospel, the good news
of Your love and Your sacrifice
that makes us all whole once more
October 7, 2007 2:35pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Suffering for the Gospel
Paul is calling us, pleading with us
to be who we can be, in service to the calling
the Great Commission, whatever the cost
to preach and share and provide testimony
to testify to the saving grace,
the gift of our risen Lord
to walk in the garden once more
to share eternal rest,
in joy and thanksgiving
to suffer for our faith
to share our faith
and be who we claim to be
the last will be first
let me be last
to be who we can be, in service to the calling
the Great Commission, whatever the cost
to preach and share and provide testimony
to testify to the saving grace,
the gift of our risen Lord
to walk in the garden once more
to share eternal rest,
in joy and thanksgiving
to suffer for our faith
to share our faith
and be who we claim to be
the last will be first
let me be last
October
7, 2007 2:31pm
Suffering
for the Gospel
2
Timothy 1:1-14
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A.
Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011,
2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 33,930+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Spirit of Self-Discipline
We are given a spirit of self-discipline
or so Paul would have us believe,
a spirit to lead the life we are called to live
not for its own reward, for we are not saved
by our good works. We are saved by grace
a gift of eternal life by the Savior
we are given a spirit of power, of love,
of self-discipline, to pay homage, to live rightly
for the Savior, for our fellows, our neighbors,
to do the work we are called for,
to make disciples, through the sharing
the telling of the Good News
around the globe
October 7, 2007 2:27pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
or so Paul would have us believe,
a spirit to lead the life we are called to live
not for its own reward, for we are not saved
by our good works. We are saved by grace
a gift of eternal life by the Savior
we are given a spirit of power, of love,
of self-discipline, to pay homage, to live rightly
for the Savior, for our fellows, our neighbors,
to do the work we are called for,
to make disciples, through the sharing
the telling of the Good News
around the globe
October 7, 2007 2:27pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Spirit of Love
By God’s grace we are saved
a gift of love, poured out in the blood
the blood of the Lamb, the Son
of the Creator. A love living within our hearts
a love we can share, to serve, to sacrifice
to suffer for the gospel if me must
to bring the good news to the captives
to the prisoners, the sick,
to find ways to be God’s love
in this troubled world,
not to be timid or scared;
but to be our faith
and live the words we believe
October 7, 2007 2:23pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
a gift of love, poured out in the blood
the blood of the Lamb, the Son
of the Creator. A love living within our hearts
a love we can share, to serve, to sacrifice
to suffer for the gospel if me must
to bring the good news to the captives
to the prisoners, the sick,
to find ways to be God’s love
in this troubled world,
not to be timid or scared;
but to be our faith
and live the words we believe
October 7, 2007 2:23pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Spirit of Power
Not a spirit of cowardice,
oh no. We are not of such stuff
a spirit of power, of authority
a voice given to us, to preach,
to proclaim, to share the good news
the gospel to the world,
to tell the joyous story,
the reconciliation by grace
of God and man
through the power of the spirit
living within us
October 7, 2007 2:20
2 Timothy 1:1-14
oh no. We are not of such stuff
a spirit of power, of authority
a voice given to us, to preach,
to proclaim, to share the good news
the gospel to the world,
to tell the joyous story,
the reconciliation by grace
of God and man
through the power of the spirit
living within us
October 7, 2007 2:20
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Living Faith
The joy, in the letter,
is the living faith,
deep within him,
the faith of his mother,
his grandmother, carried on
living deep in his heart
the faith to move mountains,
to make the mulberry tree uproot,
the faith to go where called
to serve and to suffer
in faith, living faith
faith to move feet of clay
October 7, 2007 2:17pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Luke 17:5-10
is the living faith,
deep within him,
the faith of his mother,
his grandmother, carried on
living deep in his heart
the faith to move mountains,
to make the mulberry tree uproot,
the faith to go where called
to serve and to suffer
in faith, living faith
faith to move feet of clay
October 7, 2007 2:17pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Luke 17:5-10
A Meditation on Good Treasure
We were sitting in the circle,
a room in Your house
around the table
studying once more
Your word, words for us
to understand, take in, live with
An understanding, for a moment,
for some of us, of the worth,
the depth of meaning,
of the words used
to teach Your lesson
The difference between
the temporal treasure
in the pirate’s chest
and the good treasure,
deep in our hearts
the good treasure of faith
That which cannot be taken
only given up,
a treasure
held dear within us,
carried with us
wherever we go
October 7, 2007 2:13pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
a room in Your house
around the table
studying once more
Your word, words for us
to understand, take in, live with
An understanding, for a moment,
for some of us, of the worth,
the depth of meaning,
of the words used
to teach Your lesson
The difference between
the temporal treasure
in the pirate’s chest
and the good treasure,
deep in our hearts
the good treasure of faith
That which cannot be taken
only given up,
a treasure
held dear within us,
carried with us
wherever we go
October 7, 2007 2:13pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
A Righteous Branch
A new shoot was to spring up
out of the branch of Jesse,
the stump down in the ground
hidden below, the dormant root
hidden from the wrath
From this would come the saving,
the new covenant
between God and man,
reclaiming the inheritance,
the promise to David
a kingdom forevermore
for the faithful
October 7, 2007 1:46pm
Jeremiah 33:14-16
out of the branch of Jesse,
the stump down in the ground
hidden below, the dormant root
hidden from the wrath
From this would come the saving,
the new covenant
between God and man,
reclaiming the inheritance,
the promise to David
a kingdom forevermore
for the faithful
October 7, 2007 1:46pm
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Naming the Saints
We were filling in the blanks,
replacing Lois, replacing Eunice,
the names of his mother, his grandmother,
those faithful, from whom he learned faith
We were filling in the blanks,
a mock letter from the apostle
from Paul, to ourselves
We were filling in the blanks,
naming the faithful,
before us, who guided,
modeled, mentored,
shared their faith with us
October 7, 2007 1:38pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14, part of an exercise in
Middle High Sunday School,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
replacing Lois, replacing Eunice,
the names of his mother, his grandmother,
those faithful, from whom he learned faith
We were filling in the blanks,
a mock letter from the apostle
from Paul, to ourselves
We were filling in the blanks,
naming the faithful,
before us, who guided,
modeled, mentored,
shared their faith with us
October 7, 2007 1:38pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14, part of an exercise in
Middle High Sunday School,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
Comforting Parallels
She spoke joyfully
face aglow
standing in the kitchen
of our church,
her hands busy,
preparing a meal,
for a meeting of our leaders
She spoke joyfully
of the comfort in the revelation,
again, of the parallels throughout
the living scriptures
the story, this time,
of Abraham and Isaac
echoed in Christ’s life
Going up onto the mountain
always to the mountains
to pray, to sacrifice,
to meet with God
A son offered in sacrifice
in faith, in love
an only son
the son on which a legacy
is to be based
Assurance God will provide
will provide the lamb
to be sacrificed,
a worthy sacrifice
Faith, living faith,
echoing in scripture
again and again
in comforting parallels
October 7, 2007 6:42am
about Joan Beldin, and our conversation
10/4/07 at Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
face aglow
standing in the kitchen
of our church,
her hands busy,
preparing a meal,
for a meeting of our leaders
She spoke joyfully
of the comfort in the revelation,
again, of the parallels throughout
the living scriptures
the story, this time,
of Abraham and Isaac
echoed in Christ’s life
Going up onto the mountain
always to the mountains
to pray, to sacrifice,
to meet with God
A son offered in sacrifice
in faith, in love
an only son
the son on which a legacy
is to be based
Assurance God will provide
will provide the lamb
to be sacrificed,
a worthy sacrifice
Faith, living faith,
echoing in scripture
again and again
in comforting parallels
October 7, 2007 6:42am
about Joan Beldin, and our conversation
10/4/07 at Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
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