Not to be praised but ridiculed

We are called
out of our comfort
out of the pews, the boats
to walk where he calls us
leaving our wealth
of station, our power
called to blessedness

Not to be praised
to be held up among men
but to be ridiculed and scorned
to be held in their dread
speaking out, standing our ground
servants of the Lord only,
in this blessing is found

A badge of honor
treasure in our future
in the storerooms of his courts
blessing beyond measure
in standing at the cross
lifting up our calling
and going into the world

July 3, 2010

written as a series of poems:

Not to power but to mercy

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-power-but-to-mercy.html

-          “Not to the proud but to the humble”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-proud-but-to-humble.html

Matthew 5:3

-         Not to the full but to the empty”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-full-but-to-empty.html

Matthew 5:4

-         “Not to the joyful but to those who sorrow”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-joyful-but-to-those-who-sorrow.html

Matthew 5:5

-         “Not to the proud but to the humble”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-proud-but-to-humble.html

Matthew 5:6

-         Not to the silent but to the gadflies”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-silent-but-to-gadflies.html

Matthew 5:7

-         “Not to power but to mercy”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-power-but-to-mercy.html

Matthew 5:8

-         “Not to the world but to the creator”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-world-but-to-creator.html

Matthew 5:9

-         “Not to war but to peace”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-war-but-to-peace.html

Matthew 5:10

-         Not to the Timid but to the persecuted”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-timid-but-to-persecuted.html

Matthew 5:11

-         Not to be praised but to be ridiculed”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-be-praised-but-ridiculed.html

Matthew 5:1-13

Beatitudes

and email, “Notes from Peter” (Hey)

received July 1, 2010

“This Sunday my sermon is titled “Pursuing More Than Happiness,”

and it is based on Matthew 5:1-13. If you have a few minutes to read

this passage of scripture prior to attending the service, you might get

a little more out of the sermon. In this sermon, I want to challenge us all

to live with greater intentionality and to find deeper levels of meaning

for our lives. Instant gratification can be the enemy of faithful living.

Intentionality is the path to blessedness.”

http://www.concordwumc.org

Wesley United Methodist Church

Concord, NH

July 4, 2010

Independence Day

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 36,500+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Not to the Timid but to the persecuted

To standing in storm
to cry out in the wilderness
to preach the love of Christ
whether or not they want to hear

Blessing not to the Timid
the ones afraid to speak
controlled by society
keeping their light covered
their joy under a bushel
their powder dry

Blessing for those
who stand in the gale
persecuted for standing for the right
speaking when they could be silent
even to a friend
going where they are called
preaching the love of God

July 3, 2010

written as a series of poems:

Not to power but to mercy

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-power-but-to-mercy.html

-          “Not to the proud but to the humble”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-proud-but-to-humble.html

Matthew 5:3

-         Not to the full but to the empty”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-full-but-to-empty.html

Matthew 5:4

-         “Not to the joyful but to those who sorrow”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-joyful-but-to-those-who-sorrow.html

Matthew 5:5

-         “Not to the proud but to the humble”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-proud-but-to-humble.html

Matthew 5:6

-         Not to the silent but to the gadflies”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-silent-but-to-gadflies.html

Matthew 5:7

-         “Not to power but to mercy”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-power-but-to-mercy.html

Matthew 5:8

-         “Not to the world but to the creator”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-world-but-to-creator.html

Matthew 5:9

-         “Not to war but to peace”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-war-but-to-peace.html

Matthew 5:10

-         Not to the Timid but to the persecuted”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-timid-but-to-persecuted.html

Matthew 5:11

-         Not to be praised but to be ridiculed”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-be-praised-but-ridiculed.html

Matthew 5:1-13

Beatitudes

and email, “Notes from Peter” (Hey)

received July 1, 2010

“This Sunday my sermon is titled “Pursuing More Than Happiness,”

and it is based on Matthew 5:1-13. If you have a few minutes to read

this passage of scripture prior to attending the service, you might get

a little more out of the sermon. In this sermon, I want to challenge us all

to live with greater intentionality and to find deeper levels of meaning

for our lives. Instant gratification can be the enemy of faithful living.

Intentionality is the path to blessedness.”

http://www.concordwumc.org

Wesley United Methodist Church

Concord, NH

July 4, 2010

Independence Day

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 36,500+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Not to war but to peace

God’s word, given by the son
in a land under the rule
a captured nation
under the powerful empire
not knowing sovereignty
not knowing peace

Blessing those who would
work for peace, not for power
for war, oppression
that those who seek peace
would be called
the children of God

A love of our neighbors
all of the world
an imprinting of calm
of equality, of reverence
for all the world
in the hearts of those
who would be children of God

July 3, 2010

written as a series of poems:

Not to power but to mercy

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-power-but-to-mercy.html

-          “Not to the proud but to the humble”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-proud-but-to-humble.html

Matthew 5:3

-         Not to the full but to the empty”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-full-but-to-empty.html

Matthew 5:4

-         “Not to the joyful but to those who sorrow”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-joyful-but-to-those-who-sorrow.html

Matthew 5:5

-         “Not to the proud but to the humble”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-proud-but-to-humble.html

Matthew 5:6

-         Not to the silent but to the gadflies”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-silent-but-to-gadflies.html

Matthew 5:7

-         “Not to power but to mercy”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-power-but-to-mercy.html

Matthew 5:8

-         “Not to the world but to the creator”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-world-but-to-creator.html

Matthew 5:9

-         “Not to war but to peace”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-war-but-to-peace.html

Matthew 5:10

-         Not to the Timid but to the persecuted”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-timid-but-to-persecuted.html

Matthew 5:11

-         Not to be praised but to be ridiculed”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-be-praised-but-ridiculed.html

Matthew 5:1-13

Beatitudes

and email, “Notes from Peter” (Hey)

received July 1, 2010

“This Sunday my sermon is titled “Pursuing More Than Happiness,”

and it is based on Matthew 5:1-13. If you have a few minutes to read

this passage of scripture prior to attending the service, you might get

a little more out of the sermon. In this sermon, I want to challenge us all

to live with greater intentionality and to find deeper levels of meaning

for our lives. Instant gratification can be the enemy of faithful living.

Intentionality is the path to blessedness.”

http://www.concordwumc.org

Wesley United Methodist Church

Concord, NH

July 4, 2010

Independence Day

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 36,500+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Not to the world but to the creator

To stand in the presence of God
to see his face, face to face,
to enter into his courts
at the end of our days
to those who are pure of heart
focused on the Lord
cleaved to the creator
rejecting the earth
submitting ourselves
our lives, our hearts, our bodies
to the master’s call
these are the ones
who shall see God

July 3, 2010

written as a series of poems:

Not to power but to mercy

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-power-but-to-mercy.html

-          “Not to the proud but to the humble”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-proud-but-to-humble.html

Matthew 5:3

-         Not to the full but to the empty”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-full-but-to-empty.html

Matthew 5:4

-         “Not to the joyful but to those who sorrow”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-joyful-but-to-those-who-sorrow.html

Matthew 5:5

-         “Not to the proud but to the humble”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-proud-but-to-humble.html

Matthew 5:6

-         Not to the silent but to the gadflies”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-silent-but-to-gadflies.html

Matthew 5:7

-         “Not to power but to mercy”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-power-but-to-mercy.html

Matthew 5:8

-         “Not to the world but to the creator”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-world-but-to-creator.html

Matthew 5:9

-         “Not to war but to peace”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-war-but-to-peace.html

Matthew 5:10

-         Not to the Timid but to the persecuted”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-timid-but-to-persecuted.html

Matthew 5:11

-         Not to be praised but to be ridiculed”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-be-praised-but-ridiculed.html

Matthew 5:1-13

Beatitudes

and email, “Notes from Peter” (Hey)

received July 1, 2010

“This Sunday my sermon is titled “Pursuing More Than Happiness,”

and it is based on Matthew 5:1-13. If you have a few minutes to read

this passage of scripture prior to attending the service, you might get

a little more out of the sermon. In this sermon, I want to challenge us all

to live with greater intentionality and to find deeper levels of meaning

for our lives. Instant gratification can be the enemy of faithful living.

Intentionality is the path to blessedness.”

http://www.concordwumc.org

Wesley United Methodist Church

Concord, NH

July 4, 2010

Independence Day

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 36,500+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Not to power but to mercy

God’s offering
of mercy in judgment
in the comforting presence
of our savior
offered not to the powerful
not to the strong of this world
but to those who show mercy
offering grace themselves
softly walking on the earth
generous with their blessings
blessedness in sharing this world
gently with our neighbors
especially those in a weaker station
lifting them up, as we are able
that all would be equally blessed
in this world as the next

July 3, 2010

written as a series of poems:

Not to power but to mercy

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-power-but-to-mercy.html

-          “Not to the proud but to the humble”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-proud-but-to-humble.html

Matthew 5:3

-         Not to the full but to the empty”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-full-but-to-empty.html

Matthew 5:4

-         “Not to the joyful but to those who sorrow”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-joyful-but-to-those-who-sorrow.html

Matthew 5:5

-         “Not to the proud but to the humble”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-proud-but-to-humble.html

Matthew 5:6

-         Not to the silent but to the gadflies”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-silent-but-to-gadflies.html

Matthew 5:7

-         “Not to power but to mercy”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-power-but-to-mercy.html

Matthew 5:8

-         “Not to the world but to the creator”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-world-but-to-creator.html

Matthew 5:9

-         “Not to war but to peace”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-war-but-to-peace.html

Matthew 5:10

-         Not to the Timid but to the persecuted”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-timid-but-to-persecuted.html

Matthew 5:11

-         Not to be praised but to be ridiculed”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-be-praised-but-ridiculed.html

Matthew 5:1-13

Beatitudes

and email, “Notes from Peter” (Hey)

received July 1, 2010

“This Sunday my sermon is titled “Pursuing More Than Happiness,”

and it is based on Matthew 5:1-13. If you have a few minutes to read

this passage of scripture prior to attending the service, you might get

a little more out of the sermon. In this sermon, I want to challenge us all

to live with greater intentionality and to find deeper levels of meaning

for our lives. Instant gratification can be the enemy of faithful living.

Intentionality is the path to blessedness.”

http://www.concordwumc.org

Wesley United Methodist Church

Concord, NH

July 4, 2010

Independence Day

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 36,500+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Not to the silent but to the gadflies

God gives words to the prophets
to those who will not be silent
who would call out for justice
who rail against the mighty
the corruption of the powerful
not to the shy but to the gadflies
calling out the arrogant
those who use their power to oppress
may the those who speak
ever be filled, able
with the Spirit’s power
to speak truth ever
that righteousness would rain down
upon the hearts of the powerful
ever to be drawn closer
to the heart of God
that we would live more justly
with all of our neighbors,
all over this world
to the ends of the earth

July 3, 2010

written as a series of poems:

Not to power but to mercy

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-power-but-to-mercy.html

-          “Not to the proud but to the humble”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-proud-but-to-humble.html

Matthew 5:3

-         Not to the full but to the empty”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-full-but-to-empty.html

Matthew 5:4

-         “Not to the joyful but to those who sorrow”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-joyful-but-to-those-who-sorrow.html

Matthew 5:5

-         “Not to the proud but to the humble”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-proud-but-to-humble.html

Matthew 5:6

-         Not to the silent but to the gadflies”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-silent-but-to-gadflies.html

Matthew 5:7

-         “Not to power but to mercy”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-power-but-to-mercy.html

Matthew 5:8

-         “Not to the world but to the creator”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-world-but-to-creator.html

Matthew 5:9

-         “Not to war but to peace”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-war-but-to-peace.html

Matthew 5:10

-         Not to the Timid but to the persecuted”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-timid-but-to-persecuted.html

Matthew 5:11

-         Not to be praised but to be ridiculed”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-be-praised-but-ridiculed.html

Matthew 5:1-13

Beatitudes

and email, “Notes from Peter” (Hey)

received July 1, 2010

“This Sunday my sermon is titled “Pursuing More Than Happiness,”

and it is based on Matthew 5:1-13. If you have a few minutes to read

this passage of scripture prior to attending the service, you might get

a little more out of the sermon. In this sermon, I want to challenge us all

to live with greater intentionality and to find deeper levels of meaning

for our lives. Instant gratification can be the enemy of faithful living.

Intentionality is the path to blessedness.”

http://www.concordwumc.org

Wesley United Methodist Church

Concord, NH

July 4, 2010

Independence Day

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 36,500+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Not to the proud but to the humble

The earth not to the powerful
not to the mighty, the strong
but to the meek
not to the proud but to the humble
a gift of the creator
not the reward of the conquerors
stewardship not tribute
entrusted to us only
for a time, a breath only,
gently to walk here
on the good earth

July 3, 2010

written as a series of poems:

Not to power but to mercy

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-power-but-to-mercy.html

-          “Not to the proud but to the humble”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-proud-but-to-humble.html

Matthew 5:3

-         Not to the full but to the empty”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-full-but-to-empty.html

Matthew 5:4

-         “Not to the joyful but to those who sorrow”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-joyful-but-to-those-who-sorrow.html

Matthew 5:5

-         “Not to the proud but to the humble”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-proud-but-to-humble.html

Matthew 5:6

-         Not to the silent but to the gadflies”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-silent-but-to-gadflies.html

Matthew 5:7

-         “Not to power but to mercy”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-power-but-to-mercy.html

Matthew 5:8

-         “Not to the world but to the creator”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-world-but-to-creator.html

Matthew 5:9

-         “Not to war but to peace”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-war-but-to-peace.html

Matthew 5:10

-         Not to the Timid but to the persecuted”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-timid-but-to-persecuted.html

Matthew 5:11

-         Not to be praised but to be ridiculed”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-be-praised-but-ridiculed.html

Matthew 5:1-13

Beatitudes

and email, “Notes from Peter” (Hey)

received July 1, 2010

“This Sunday my sermon is titled “Pursuing More Than Happiness,”

and it is based on Matthew 5:1-13. If you have a few minutes to read

this passage of scripture prior to attending the service, you might get

a little more out of the sermon. In this sermon, I want to challenge us all

to live with greater intentionality and to find deeper levels of meaning

for our lives. Instant gratification can be the enemy of faithful living.

Intentionality is the path to blessedness.”

http://www.concordwumc.org

Wesley United Methodist Church

Concord, NH

July 4, 2010

Independence Day

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 36,500+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Not to the joyful but to those who sorrow

God’s comfort, his assurance
the loving hands of God
blessed are those would mourn
who sorrow in their soul

God will be with us
in our depth, in the shadow
with us in this journey

Blessed in our loss
because we will be comforted
in the presence of eternal God

July 3, 2010

written as a series of poems:

Not to power but to mercy

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-power-but-to-mercy.html

-          “Not to the proud but to the humble”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-proud-but-to-humble.html

Matthew 5:3

-         Not to the full but to the empty”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-full-but-to-empty.html

Matthew 5:4

-         “Not to the joyful but to those who sorrow”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-joyful-but-to-those-who-sorrow.html

Matthew 5:5

-         “Not to the proud but to the humble”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-proud-but-to-humble.html

Matthew 5:6

-         Not to the silent but to the gadflies”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-silent-but-to-gadflies.html

Matthew 5:7

-         “Not to power but to mercy”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-power-but-to-mercy.html

Matthew 5:8

-         “Not to the world but to the creator”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-world-but-to-creator.html

Matthew 5:9

-         “Not to war but to peace”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-war-but-to-peace.html

Matthew 5:10

-         Not to the Timid but to the persecuted”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-timid-but-to-persecuted.html

Matthew 5:11

-         Not to be praised but to be ridiculed”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-be-praised-but-ridiculed.html

Matthew 5:1-13

Beatitudes

and email, “Notes from Peter” (Hey)

received July 1, 2010

“This Sunday my sermon is titled “Pursuing More Than Happiness,”

and it is based on Matthew 5:1-13. If you have a few minutes to read

this passage of scripture prior to attending the service, you might get

a little more out of the sermon. In this sermon, I want to challenge us all

to live with greater intentionality and to find deeper levels of meaning

for our lives. Instant gratification can be the enemy of faithful living.

Intentionality is the path to blessedness.”

http://www.concordwumc.org

Wesley United Methodist Church

Concord, NH

July 4, 2010

Independence Day

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 36,500+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Not to the full but to the empty

Christ speaking
across the ages
to each of us
on blessedness
in the eyes of God

Not to the full
but to the empty
those who grieve in their spirit
knowing the troubles of their soul
uncomfortable and unsure
struggling so

God using us
those who are empty
damaged as we are
offering to fill us
that we may be poured out
his love for the whole world

July 3, 2010

written as a series of poems:

Not to power but to mercy

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-power-but-to-mercy.html

-         “Not to the proud but to the humble”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-proud-but-to-humble.html

Matthew 5:3

-         Not to the full but to the empty”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-full-but-to-empty.html

Matthew 5:4

-         “Not to the joyful but to those who sorrow”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-joyful-but-to-those-who-sorrow.html

Matthew 5:5

-         “Not to the proud but to the humble”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-proud-but-to-humble.html

Matthew 5:6

-         Not to the silent but to the gadflies”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-silent-but-to-gadflies.html

Matthew 5:7

-         “Not to power but to mercy”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-power-but-to-mercy.html

Matthew 5:8

-         “Not to the world but to the creator”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-world-but-to-creator.html

Matthew 5:9

-         “Not to war but to peace”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-war-but-to-peace.html

Matthew 5:10

-         Not to the Timid but to the persecuted”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-timid-but-to-persecuted.html

Matthew 5:11

-         Not to be praised but to be ridiculed”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/not-to-be-praised-but-ridiculed.html

Matthew 5:1-13

Beatitudes

and email, “Notes from Peter” (Hey)

received July 1, 2010

“This Sunday my sermon is titled “Pursuing More Than Happiness,”

and it is based on Matthew 5:1-13. If you have a few minutes to read

this passage of scripture prior to attending the service, you might get

a little more out of the sermon. In this sermon, I want to challenge us all

to live with greater intentionality and to find deeper levels of meaning

for our lives. Instant gratification can be the enemy of faithful living.

Intentionality is the path to blessedness.”

http://www.concordwumc.org

Wesley United Methodist Church

Concord, NH

July 4, 2010

Independence Day

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 36,500+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Radically Different

Reading these words of Christ
preaching from the mountain
closer to God
revealing his message
of what it is to be blessed
held in esteem
raised up, special
in the eyes of God
radically different,
than all that the world says
all we may believe
recasting the eyes of the world
if we would but see


July 3, 2010
Matthew 5:1-13
Beatitudes
and email, “Notes from Peter” (Hey)
received July 1, 2010
“This Sunday my sermon is titled “Pursuing More Than Happiness,”
and it is based on Matthew 5:1-13. If you have a few minutes to read
this passage of scripture prior to attending the service, you might get
a little more out of the sermon. In this sermon, I want to challenge us all
to live with greater intentionality and to find deeper levels of meaning
for our lives. Instant gratification can be the enemy of faithful living.
Intentionality is the path to blessedness.”
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
July 4, 2010
Independence Day


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 19,300+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Challenging Our Understanding

Even today, as we celebrate
the independence of our nation
our people separated
freed of the oppression
tyranny of another age
the preeminent kingdom
the world’s superpower
of that time

Challenging our understanding
the nature of freedom
of responsibility
of our calling as a nation
as a people of faith
living in community
the eyes of the world upon us
as we walk on the earth

Christ’s message still ringing
powerfully in our ears
calling us from our comfort
to see our neighbors
all the peoples of the earth
from their eyes
looking upon us
the Rome of this age
when the Messiah
spoke these worlds
as England was
when we through off their yoke


July 3, 2010
Matthew 5:1-13
Beatitudes
and email, “Notes from Peter” (Hey)
received July 1, 2010
“This Sunday my sermon is titled “Pursuing More Than Happiness,”
and it is based on Matthew 5:1-13. If you have a few minutes to read
this passage of scripture prior to attending the service, you might get
a little more out of the sermon. In this sermon, I want to challenge us all
to live with greater intentionality and to find deeper levels of meaning
for our lives. Instant gratification can be the enemy of faithful living.
Intentionality is the path to blessedness.”
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
July 4, 2010
Independence Day


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 19,300+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Changing Our Perspective

Rereading his message
on this day
important to our land
the major sermon
the world as God would see it
a new definition of blessing
what it means, how to live
blessed in so many ways
foreign from the world’s calling
the priorities of man
building up those without favor
sharing love with our neighbors
that all would know God


July 3, 2010
Matthew 5:1-13
Beatitudes
and email, “Notes from Peter” (Hey)
received July 1, 2010
“This Sunday my sermon is titled “Pursuing More Than Happiness,”
and it is based on Matthew 5:1-13. If you have a few minutes to read
this passage of scripture prior to attending the service, you might get
a little more out of the sermon. In this sermon, I want to challenge us all
to live with greater intentionality and to find deeper levels of meaning
for our lives. Instant gratification can be the enemy of faithful living.
Intentionality is the path to blessedness.”
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
July 4, 2010
Independence Day


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 19,300+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

They Paid for Our Freedoms

Our faith infused
with the sacrifice of so many
they paid for our freedoms
that we would believe

Christ as the center
giving his own life
come as a sacrifice
that we would be free of sin

So many others
the saints before us
sacrificing so much
that the message would not be lost

Faithful servants
down to this age
sharing the hope of Christ
that all would know God

Paying dearly
an awful cost
they paid for our freedoms
that we would not be lost

Honor them ever
starting with our savior
conforming our lives
to those who have gone before


July 3, 2010
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
Luke 10:16-20
Galatians 6:7-10
Psalm 36:5-10 (United Methodist Hymnal #771)
Worship Theme: “The high cost of freedom”
and sermon, “The Cost of Freedom”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 4, 2010
Independence Day
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost


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 19,300+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Which freedoms do we value

In a moment of reflection
may we stop on Independence Day
to think of our freedoms
in a totally new way

To answer honestly
the echoes of his sermon
which freedoms do we value
which we see as a bother
a limit on our excess

Living out the beatitudes
an echo of his life
how our savior walked
how he lived and died for us

Surrendering his station
falling to the earth
walking humbly as a man
that we would have new birth

Living out the beatitudes
humbly in this life
sharing gently his message of love
that all would have new life


July 3, 2010
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
Luke 10:16-20
Galatians 6:7-10
Psalm 36:5-10 (United Methodist Hymnal #771)
Worship Theme: “The high cost of freedom”
and sermon, “The Cost of Freedom”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
July 4, 2010
Independence Day
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
&
Matthew 5:1-13
Beatitudes
and email, “Notes from Peter” (Hey)
received July 1, 2010
“This Sunday my sermon is titled “Pursuing More Than Happiness,”
and it is based on Matthew 5:1-13. If you have a few minutes to read
this passage of scripture prior to attending the service, you might get
a little more out of the sermon. In this sermon, I want to challenge us all
to live with greater intentionality and to find deeper levels of meaning
for our lives. Instant gratification can be the enemy of faithful living.
Intentionality is the path to blessedness.”
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
July 4, 2010
Independence Day


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 20,650+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

In the Passenger Seat

Moving over
from a place of control
though we were lost
not knowing where to go

Changing our focus
turning toward the lord
giving up our illusion
that we were in control

Moving to the passenger seat
letting Christ take the wheel
the yoke of our service
in submitting totally

Giving our journey over
to the voice of God
dying with him in the waters
rising on that open road


July 3, 2010
Galatians 6:7-16
Galatians 6:1-16
and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for June 28, 2010 to July 4, 2010,
“Doing the Right Thing”
by Chip Hale
for July 2, 2010
read July 2, 2010
&
Psalm 30:6-12
Psalm 30:1-12
and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for June 28, 2010 to July 4, 2010,
“Doing the Right Thing”
by Chip Hale
for July 1, 2010,
read July 1, 2010
&
Galatians 6:1-16
Galatians 6:7-16
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-june-28%e2%80%94july-4/
for June 28, 2010 to July 4, 2010
by Nancy Ferguson (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for July 1, 2010
read July 1, 2010


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 19,300+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

He Paid for Our Freedom

Our savior paid
already, long ago
the cost of our freedom
on the altar of the cross

Only to believe
to fall into the waters
to die to our past
to walk in his freedom

Rising with Christ
we are to humbly walk this land
offering hope to all
God’s love for us al

Calling to us
to each beating heart
to listen to Spirit’s calling
that we are free indeed
only to believe


July 3, 2010
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
Luke 10:16-20
Galatians 6:7-10
Psalm 36:5-10 (United Methodist Hymnal #771)
Worship Theme: “The high cost of freedom”
and sermon, “The Cost of Freedom”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 4, 2010
Independence Day
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost


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 19,300+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Total Surrender to a Providing God

Our choice in our freedom
to follow Christ
going with him to the garden
kneeling before the cross

Listening to the Spirit
hearing God’s voice
submitting our lives to him
knowing he will provide

All in God’s time
his purpose is right
giving our lives over
to his will, his might

Total surrender
to a providing God
believing in his promise
our life on the ground


July 3, 2010
Galatians 6:7-16
Galatians 6:1-16
and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for June 28, 2010 to July 4, 2010,
“Doing the Right Thing”
by Chip Hale
for July 2, 2010
read July 2, 2010
&
Psalm 30:6-12
Psalm 30:1-12
and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for June 28, 2010 to July 4, 2010,
“Doing the Right Thing”
by Chip Hale
for July 1, 2010,
read July 1, 2010
&
Galatians 6:1-16
Galatians 6:7-16
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-june-28%e2%80%94july-4/
for June 28, 2010 to July 4, 2010
by Nancy Ferguson (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for July 1, 2010
read July 1, 2010


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 19,300+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Our Sense of Freedom

Focused on our nation
as we do on this day
needing to be mindful
of the savior’s way

He spoke with power
on the mountaintop
recasting our understanding
of freedom that day

Not as the world sees
of right and wrong
and what is valued
in the courts of the Lord

Our sense of freedom
ever may it be
guided by the words of Christ
his blessed offering


July 3, 2010
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
Luke 10:16-20
Galatians 6:7-10
Psalm 36:5-10 (United Methodist Hymnal #771)
Worship Theme: “The high cost of freedom”
and sermon, “The Cost of Freedom”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 4, 2010
Independence Day
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
&
Matthew 5:1-13
Beatitudes
and email, “Notes from Peter” (Hey)
received July 1, 2010
“This Sunday my sermon is titled “Pursuing More Than Happiness,”
and it is based on Matthew 5:1-13. If you have a few minutes to read
this passage of scripture prior to attending the service, you might get
a little more out of the sermon. In this sermon, I want to challenge us all
to live with greater intentionality and to find deeper levels of meaning
for our lives. Instant gratification can be the enemy of faithful living.
Intentionality is the path to blessedness.”
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
July 4, 2010
Independence Day


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 19,300+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Price of Our Freedom

More than a declaration
words on a page
words of prophecy
of long ago

The price of our freedom
his death on the cross
dying for us
that we may know God


July 3, 2010
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
Luke 10:16-20
Galatians 6:7-10
Psalm 36:5-10 (United Methodist Hymnal #771)
Worship Theme: “The high cost of freedom”
and sermon, “The Cost of Freedom”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 4, 2010
Independence Day
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost


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 19,140+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Price Already Paid

Our freedom bought and paid for
the price already paid
Christ died for us
that we may know the Lord

Not bound by the shackles
the fetters of the law
freed to live as he did
to answer our father’s call


July 3, 2010
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
Luke 10:16-20
Galatians 6:7-10
Psalm 36:5-10 (United Methodist Hymnal #771)
Worship Theme: “The high cost of freedom”
and sermon, “The Cost of Freedom”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 4, 2010
Independence Day
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost


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 19,300+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Living in Our Freedom

Christ’s word and the Spirit
guiding our steps here
living in our freedom
in the way that God would want

Remembering Christ’s teaching
his sermon on the mount
defining righteous living
in the beatitudes

Words to live by
out from the yoke of the law
guided by the Spirit
answering our savior’s call

Redefining freedom
not of this world
by the lesson of the Christ
who chose to die for us


July 3, 2010
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
Luke 10:16-20
Galatians 6:7-10
Psalm 36:5-10 (United Methodist Hymnal #771)
Worship Theme: “The high cost of freedom”
and sermon, “The Cost of Freedom”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 4, 2010
Independence Day
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
&
Matthew 5:1-13
Beatitudes
and email, “Notes from Peter” (Hey)
received July 1, 2010
“This Sunday my sermon is titled “Pursuing More Than Happiness,”
and it is based on Matthew 5:1-13. If you have a few minutes to read
this passage of scripture prior to attending the service, you might get
a little more out of the sermon. In this sermon, I want to challenge us all
to live with greater intentionality and to find deeper levels of meaning
for our lives. Instant gratification can be the enemy of faithful living.
Intentionality is the path to blessedness.”
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
July 4, 2010
Independence Day


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 19,300+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Guided in Our Freedom

In the words of Christ
in his sermon on that mount
telling us how to live
guided in our freedom

Mindful of our neighbor
in everything we say
in every action of our life
in how we walk on earth

Gently sharing the world
not marching to our own drummer
caring for those near and far
acting like our brother

Looking at the story of Christ
how he walked on the earth
a model for our own days
now that we have his freedom

No longer under the sentence
the yoke of the law
freed by his sacrifice
his going to the cross

This love he shared
giving meaning to his words
instruction for our walk here
sharing his message of love


July 3, 2010
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
Luke 10:16-20
Galatians 6:7-10
Psalm 36:5-10 (United Methodist Hymnal #771)
Worship Theme: “The high cost of freedom”
and sermon, “The Cost of Freedom”
by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.pstruthsermons.blogspot.com

sermon blog

http://www.pstrruthfoss.blogspot.com

meditation blog

http://pstrfoss.wordpress.com/

“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 4, 2010
Independence Day
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
&
Matthew 5:1-13
Beatitudes
and email, “Notes from Peter” (Hey)
received July 1, 2010
“This Sunday my sermon is titled “Pursuing More Than Happiness,”
and it is based on Matthew 5:1-13. If you have a few minutes to read
this passage of scripture prior to attending the service, you might get
a little more out of the sermon. In this sermon, I want to challenge us all
to live with greater intentionality and to find deeper levels of meaning
for our lives. Instant gratification can be the enemy of faithful living.
Intentionality is the path to blessedness.”
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
July 4, 2010
Independence Day

All of my poems and photographs 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 (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 40,280+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.