This not the end
not be a long-shot
the days of our lives
all our tomorrow
next steps more important
even than these
the journey awaiting;
Forward, if you please
July 16, 2011
Mark 9:2-9
Transfiguration
&
Calling, passion, joy, witness
&
Luke 24:13-35
Chrysalis
http://www.upperroom.org/chrysalis/
Walk to Emmaus
http://www.upperroom.org/emmaus/
grace
love
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,380+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
To fill a glass of water
The metaphor appropriate
timely, as God does
nothing coincidence
part of his plan
when we are open
eyes, hearts open wide
a lesson the simple
God close at hand
To fill a glass of water
a pitcher must be filled
without the drink the thirst
of another cannot be met
the vessel useless
unless it is filled
to share with another
the message of salvation
pouring down from heaven
life evermore
July 16, 2011
Mark 9:2-9
Transfiguration
&
Calling, passion, joy, witness
&
Luke 24:13-35
Chrysalis
http://www.upperroom.org/chrysalis/
Walk to Emmaus
http://www.upperroom.org/emmaus/
grace
love
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,380+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.
timely, as God does
nothing coincidence
part of his plan
when we are open
eyes, hearts open wide
a lesson the simple
God close at hand
To fill a glass of water
a pitcher must be filled
without the drink the thirst
of another cannot be met
the vessel useless
unless it is filled
to share with another
the message of salvation
pouring down from heaven
life evermore
July 16, 2011
Mark 9:2-9
Transfiguration
&
Calling, passion, joy, witness
&
Luke 24:13-35
Chrysalis
http://www.upperroom.org/chrysalis/
Walk to Emmaus
http://www.upperroom.org/emmaus/
grace
love
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,380+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.
Our Saints
Names in the hallways
in the rooms large and small
those who have gone before
giving God their all
Name of the saints
those who have gone before
shaping this place, this family
the church we know and love
So much of our history
fading in time
yet the DNA of those before us
still beats in your hearts and mine
Carrying on their legacy
in our own walks toward perfection
following these saints
who have gone before us to heaven
July 16, 2011
those who have rooms named after them
Wesley United Methodist Church
www.concorwumc.org
http://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_18471019488
Concord, NH
on celebration of their 50th anniversary
after the joining of two churches to become one
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,380+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
in the rooms large and small
those who have gone before
giving God their all
Name of the saints
those who have gone before
shaping this place, this family
the church we know and love
So much of our history
fading in time
yet the DNA of those before us
still beats in your hearts and mine
Carrying on their legacy
in our own walks toward perfection
following these saints
who have gone before us to heaven
July 16, 2011
those who have rooms named after them
Wesley United Methodist Church
www.concorwumc.org
http://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_18471019488
Concord, NH
on celebration of their 50th anniversary
after the joining of two churches to become one
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,380+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
Coming Down from the Mountain
The next steps
the days after
the time of our lives
in moments and days
years maybe, until the judgment
the end of the ages
our walk to perfection
Coming down from the mountain
a message to share
the love of Christ evident
our lives shining brightly
the moments of communion
walking with our Savior
burning within us
leading us to speak
July 16, 2011
Mark 9:2-9
Transfiguration
&
Calling, passion, joy, witness
&
Luke 24:13-35
Chrysalis
http://www.upperroom.org/chrysalis/
Walk to Emmaus
http://www.upperroom.org/emmaus/
grace
love
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,380+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.
the days after
the time of our lives
in moments and days
years maybe, until the judgment
the end of the ages
our walk to perfection
Coming down from the mountain
a message to share
the love of Christ evident
our lives shining brightly
the moments of communion
walking with our Savior
burning within us
leading us to speak
July 16, 2011
Mark 9:2-9
Transfiguration
&
Calling, passion, joy, witness
&
Luke 24:13-35
Chrysalis
http://www.upperroom.org/chrysalis/
Walk to Emmaus
http://www.upperroom.org/emmaus/
grace
love
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,380+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.
A Worthless Pitcher
Our bodies, our souls
needing to be full
to be added to
that we may be poured
a pitcher that is empty
cannot fill a glass, a cup
we must be filled
that we may be poured
that others would be filled
the whole world filled
filled right up
that all would know the joy
we feel inside
that all would know Christ
and through him God’s love
descended from heaven
to walk this dusty world
July 16, 2011
Walk to Emmaus
http://www.upperroom.org/emmaus/
Chrysalis
http://www.upperroom.org/chrysalis/
Luke 24:13-35
grace
love
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,380+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.
needing to be full
to be added to
that we may be poured
a pitcher that is empty
cannot fill a glass, a cup
we must be filled
that we may be poured
that others would be filled
the whole world filled
filled right up
that all would know the joy
we feel inside
that all would know Christ
and through him God’s love
descended from heaven
to walk this dusty world
July 16, 2011
Walk to Emmaus
http://www.upperroom.org/emmaus/
Chrysalis
http://www.upperroom.org/chrysalis/
Luke 24:13-35
grace
love
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,380+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.
A Harvest of Good Fruit
Our spirits, our lives
a harvest for God
whether worthy or unworthy
a judgment for the Lord
All of our growing
walking closer to Christ
changing us from the world
into children of God
Healed by his sacrifice
God’s amazing grace
dying on the cross
taking our place
None of us better
to look down on our neighbor
all of broken, fall
destined for damnation
Only through Christ
the gate of the cross
redeemed for heaven
save from among the lost
July 16, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,380+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
a harvest for God
whether worthy or unworthy
a judgment for the Lord
All of our growing
walking closer to Christ
changing us from the world
into children of God
Healed by his sacrifice
God’s amazing grace
dying on the cross
taking our place
None of us better
to look down on our neighbor
all of broken, fall
destined for damnation
Only through Christ
the gate of the cross
redeemed for heaven
save from among the lost
July 16, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,380+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
With Sinners Like Us
Staring at my hands
looking in my heart
knowing I am of dust
the clay of this earth
Joy in knowing
Christ came for us
sitting with sinners
those like you and me
preparing us for heaven
raising us from the dust
July 16, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,380+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
looking in my heart
knowing I am of dust
the clay of this earth
Joy in knowing
Christ came for us
sitting with sinners
those like you and me
preparing us for heaven
raising us from the dust
July 16, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,380+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
Sitting with Us
Where in the story
do we place ourselves
with the pious judging
or with the rest
the sinners joyful
Christ sitting with us
or the ones watching
scoffing at his ministry
going to us, broken,
raising us for heaven
with his healing word
July 16, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,380+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
do we place ourselves
with the pious judging
or with the rest
the sinners joyful
Christ sitting with us
or the ones watching
scoffing at his ministry
going to us, broken,
raising us for heaven
with his healing word
July 16, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,380+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
At the Table with us - 2
Sitting with sinners
at the table with us
the lord of creation
the living Christ
With us now
as we walk in this life
calling us to him
that we may survive
the judgment to come
at the end of the age
nothing to fear
if we are beside him
guided by the Spirit
bearing his witness
his name to the whole earth
humbly serving
out into his world
July 16, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,380+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
Not out of Love
Giving, offering
because of an expectation
wanting something in return
a return on our investment
Not out of love
when we hold back
holding onto our treasure
seeking rewards in this life
not focusing on heaven
July 16, 2011
Acts 4:32-37
The Believers Share Their Possessions
Acts 5:1-11
Ananias and Sapphira
read July 15, 2011
&
overview of the Acts of the Apostles
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 13, 2011
&
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,380+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
because of an expectation
wanting something in return
a return on our investment
Not out of love
when we hold back
holding onto our treasure
seeking rewards in this life
not focusing on heaven
July 16, 2011
Acts 4:32-37
The Believers Share Their Possessions
Acts 5:1-11
Ananias and Sapphira
read July 15, 2011
&
overview of the Acts of the Apostles
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 13, 2011
&
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,380+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
Tormented by Spirits
Christ eating with us
those who are wayward
lost, straying far
those tormented by spirits
the evil of this world
Christ here with us
eating with us
protecting us, guiding
in the walk of our lives
July 16, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,370+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
those who are wayward
lost, straying far
those tormented by spirits
the evil of this world
Christ here with us
eating with us
protecting us, guiding
in the walk of our lives
July 16, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,370+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
Tortured by Demons
The story of his healings
of those who were lame
suffering great illness
blind all their days
Those possessed
tortured by demons
caught in the world
needing his healing
Not the others
sheep of his flock
saving the wicked, the hurting
that they would not be lost
July 16, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,370+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
of those who were lame
suffering great illness
blind all their days
Those possessed
tortured by demons
caught in the world
needing his healing
Not the others
sheep of his flock
saving the wicked, the hurting
that they would not be lost
July 16, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,370+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
Claiming for the Kingdom
Chosen for saving
sought by the Christ
the least and the lost
those just like us
sheep for the harvest
the kingdom of God
brought back into the sheepfold
by his loving hand
brought into your presence
answering your call
obedient to your message
to save us one and all
July 16, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,370+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
sought by the Christ
the least and the lost
those just like us
sheep for the harvest
the kingdom of God
brought back into the sheepfold
by his loving hand
brought into your presence
answering your call
obedient to your message
to save us one and all
July 16, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,370+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
Like the Pharisees
Seeing what divides us
a schism of them and us
so much like the Pharisees
focused on the differences
on treasure that rusts
We miss the message
if we focus on the surface
what sets us apart
keeping us divides
not bound in the Christ
July 15, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,370+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
a schism of them and us
so much like the Pharisees
focused on the differences
on treasure that rusts
We miss the message
if we focus on the surface
what sets us apart
keeping us divides
not bound in the Christ
July 15, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,370+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
Eating with Us
Christ coming, entering in
eating with the likes of us
sitting with sinners, others
those who have been cast out
Not with the righteous
the obedient sheep
seeking out the fallen
those who struggle, who yearn
for something cool to drink
the living water he offers
the bread of life for us
Healing us completely
lifting us from our knees
July 15, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,370+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
eating with the likes of us
sitting with sinners, others
those who have been cast out
Not with the righteous
the obedient sheep
seeking out the fallen
those who struggle, who yearn
for something cool to drink
the living water he offers
the bread of life for us
Healing us completely
lifting us from our knees
July 15, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,370+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
Friday, July 15, 2011
In the fog of our righteousness
Thinking we are better
judging our sister, our brother
believing our neighbor
is unworthy of God’s love
In the fog of our righteous
conforming to the law
forgetting Christ’s true teaching
the Spirit within our acts
our service to our neighbors
He is with us
at the table here, now
eating with us, the sinners,
those who are broken
needing his healing touch
needing him to transform us
to lift us from the dust
July 15, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,360+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
judging our sister, our brother
believing our neighbor
is unworthy of God’s love
In the fog of our righteous
conforming to the law
forgetting Christ’s true teaching
the Spirit within our acts
our service to our neighbors
He is with us
at the table here, now
eating with us, the sinners,
those who are broken
needing his healing touch
needing him to transform us
to lift us from the dust
July 15, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,360+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
So Much Like Us
Those whom Christ ate with
sinners, those cast out
those on the margin
so much like us
feet of clay
walking in the dust
yet heeding his calling
his leading, his teaching
redeeming us completely
healing our brokenness
leading us to glory
into the arms of God
July 15, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,360+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
sinners, those cast out
those on the margin
so much like us
feet of clay
walking in the dust
yet heeding his calling
his leading, his teaching
redeeming us completely
healing our brokenness
leading us to glory
into the arms of God
July 15, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,360+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
Lame and Suffering
Lame and suffering
hobbled in this life
pain and misery
stalking this earth
Christ came for these
those just like us
needing his loving touch
to lift us back to life
July 15, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
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 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of 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 19,840+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
hobbled in this life
pain and misery
stalking this earth
Christ came for these
those just like us
needing his loving touch
to lift us back to life
July 15, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
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 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of 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 19,840+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Broken People
Torn by our history
the weight of our choices
our stresses, struggles
the path of our days
Broken people, sinners
for us Christ came to earth
healing us by his presence
his teaching of God’s truth
He came for the likes of us
not the ones set apart
to walk in the dust with us
to lead us through this earth
July 15, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,370+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
the weight of our choices
our stresses, struggles
the path of our days
Broken people, sinners
for us Christ came to earth
healing us by his presence
his teaching of God’s truth
He came for the likes of us
not the ones set apart
to walk in the dust with us
to lead us through this earth
July 15, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,370+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
Failing to See Ourselves
Like those in the story
the religious leaders
setting themselves apart
failing to see ourselves
in the face of the others
we are the sinners
the ones of this world
whom Christ came fore
that we may be healed
washed clean of our stain
stay we all may live
July 15, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,370+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
the religious leaders
setting themselves apart
failing to see ourselves
in the face of the others
we are the sinners
the ones of this world
whom Christ came fore
that we may be healed
washed clean of our stain
stay we all may live
July 15, 2011
Luke 15:1-2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 92:1-2 (GOD’s WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “What kind of people did Jesus hang with?”
and sermon: “When Christians Are Un-Christian”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,370+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
With Living Wings
You emerge
new life
just begun
rising and growing
up into the Son
Your wings spreading
hardening with resolve
to serve the master
Father, Spirit, Son
Living wings rising
filled with God’s love
You are the butterflies
come into new life
rising from your dying
up into the light
walking with Christ
bearing his message
with power and might
July 15, 2011
Walk to Emmaus
http://www.upperroom.org/emmaus/
Chrysalis
http://www.upperroom.org/chrysalis/
Luke 24:13-35
grace
love
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,360+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.
new life
just begun
rising and growing
up into the Son
Your wings spreading
hardening with resolve
to serve the master
Father, Spirit, Son
Living wings rising
filled with God’s love
You are the butterflies
come into new life
rising from your dying
up into the light
walking with Christ
bearing his message
with power and might
July 15, 2011
Walk to Emmaus
http://www.upperroom.org/emmaus/
Chrysalis
http://www.upperroom.org/chrysalis/
Luke 24:13-35
grace
love
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,360+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.
In Silence, Cocooned
In silence, quiet
in dying to ourselves, life
led by Your Spirit
guiding our feet
Fed in the silence
the moments within
in the still of quiet
that we may live
Life not dormant
hope growing inside
the light of the covenant
You by our side
Rising together
with the living Christ
soon to face our Creator
in wonder and light
July 15, 2011
Walk to Emmaus
http://www.upperroom.org/emmaus/
Chrysalis
http://www.upperroom.org/chrysalis/
Luke 24:13-35
grace
love
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,360+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.
in dying to ourselves, life
led by Your Spirit
guiding our feet
Fed in the silence
the moments within
in the still of quiet
that we may live
Life not dormant
hope growing inside
the light of the covenant
You by our side
Rising together
with the living Christ
soon to face our Creator
in wonder and light
July 15, 2011
Walk to Emmaus
http://www.upperroom.org/emmaus/
Chrysalis
http://www.upperroom.org/chrysalis/
Luke 24:13-35
grace
love
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,360+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.
Youthful Exuberance
Laughing so easily
maybe a little nervous
unsure of their futures
eager to know You
May this be infectious
with youthful exuberance
with hearts like a child
coming to You Lord
Open to Your calling
Your words whispering
calling them onward
to be Your witnesses now
May they be ready
may their hearts be open
may the joy that they feel
ring clear in their lives
July 15, 2011
Walk to Emmaus
http://www.upperroom.org/emmaus/
Chrysalis
http://www.upperroom.org/chrysalis/
Luke 24:13-35
grace
love
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,360+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.
maybe a little nervous
unsure of their futures
eager to know You
May this be infectious
with youthful exuberance
with hearts like a child
coming to You Lord
Open to Your calling
Your words whispering
calling them onward
to be Your witnesses now
May they be ready
may their hearts be open
may the joy that they feel
ring clear in their lives
July 15, 2011
Walk to Emmaus
http://www.upperroom.org/emmaus/
Chrysalis
http://www.upperroom.org/chrysalis/
Luke 24:13-35
grace
love
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,360+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
A people who knew of God
Christ came to earth
to teach about love
coming down, descending
leaving his royal throne
A people who knew of God
of his law, a code
a way of living righteous
in wonder and in awe
Yet Christ came to them
to teach about love
coming down from on high
to change their hearts, their path
to help them to know God
July 14, 2011
overview of the Gospel of John
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 10, 2011
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,360+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.
to teach about love
coming down, descending
leaving his royal throne
A people who knew of God
of his law, a code
a way of living righteous
in wonder and in awe
Yet Christ came to them
to teach about love
coming down from on high
to change their hearts, their path
to help them to know God
July 14, 2011
overview of the Gospel of John
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 10, 2011
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,360+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.
Agape
Love a noun
a verb alive
beyond our comprehension
creating all there is
descending from a royal throne
Unconditional, unmerited
the love of God for man
healing us in an instant
the moment we come to believe
Agape, love
not an article
not an adjective
the noun love, descending
healing us completely,
God here with us
guiding our trembling feet.
July 14, 2011
trying to understand the word “agape”,
not as a kind of love but love.
& earlier poems:
---------------------------
Agape Love
To understand God
what is love
needing to see
the one who came down
Agape love
in the form of Christ
healing the world
by walking in love
Nothing we do
earning God’s grace
offered by God
from the depths of his love
March 4, 2011
Romans 13:9-10
Bible Verse of the Day
http://www.verseoftheday.com/
February 21, 2011
&
Romans 13:9-10
Posting, “Romans 13:9-10”
http://ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com/2011/02/romans-139-10.html
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
February 21, 2011
&
Matthew 5:38-48 (The Message Bible)
Love Your Enemies
Psalm 119:33-40 (God’s Word Translation)
Leviticus 19:9-18 (The Message Bible)
Psalm 25:8-10 (God’s Word Translation)(Call to Worship)
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (New Living Translation)
Prayer of Adoration (UMBOW #461)
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD)
James 4:8 (“Just a Closer Walk with Thee (The Faith We Sing #2158)
Luke 2:29 (“Go Now in Peace”, UMH #665)
Worship Theme: “God’s law versus Human Law”
and sermon, “Mercy versus Retribution”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 20, 2011
Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
---------------------------
The Lamb Climbing the Cross
The unblemished lamb
alone in the dark
the Garden of Gethsemane
The perfect sacrifice
taking on our sin
the bitter cup to his lips
Obedient, a servant of God
the lamb climbing the cross
atoning sacrifice for our sin
for our sin, what a cost
February 8, 2010
Matthew 26:39
“And he went a little further, and fell on his face,
and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible,
let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will,
but as thou wilt”. (KJV)
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,360+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.
a verb alive
beyond our comprehension
creating all there is
descending from a royal throne
Unconditional, unmerited
the love of God for man
healing us in an instant
the moment we come to believe
Agape, love
not an article
not an adjective
the noun love, descending
healing us completely,
God here with us
guiding our trembling feet.
July 14, 2011
trying to understand the word “agape”,
not as a kind of love but love.
& earlier poems:
---------------------------
Agape Love
To understand God
what is love
needing to see
the one who came down
Agape love
in the form of Christ
healing the world
by walking in love
Nothing we do
earning God’s grace
offered by God
from the depths of his love
March 4, 2011
Romans 13:9-10
Bible Verse of the Day
http://www.verseoftheday.com/
February 21, 2011
&
Romans 13:9-10
Posting, “Romans 13:9-10”
http://ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com/2011/02/romans-139-10.html
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
February 21, 2011
&
Matthew 5:38-48 (The Message Bible)
Love Your Enemies
Psalm 119:33-40 (God’s Word Translation)
Leviticus 19:9-18 (The Message Bible)
Psalm 25:8-10 (God’s Word Translation)(Call to Worship)
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (New Living Translation)
Prayer of Adoration (UMBOW #461)
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD)
James 4:8 (“Just a Closer Walk with Thee (The Faith We Sing #2158)
Luke 2:29 (“Go Now in Peace”, UMH #665)
Worship Theme: “God’s law versus Human Law”
and sermon, “Mercy versus Retribution”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 20, 2011
Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
---------------------------
The Lamb Climbing the Cross
The unblemished lamb
alone in the dark
the Garden of Gethsemane
The perfect sacrifice
taking on our sin
the bitter cup to his lips
Obedient, a servant of God
the lamb climbing the cross
atoning sacrifice for our sin
for our sin, what a cost
February 8, 2010
Matthew 26:39
“And he went a little further, and fell on his face,
and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible,
let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will,
but as thou wilt”. (KJV)
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,360+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
And they will prophesy
Filled with power
your Spirit from above
and they will prophesy
speaking of your love
Your people with rise
speaking from their heart
offering your love
written on our flesh
on the beating of our hearts
July 13, 2011
Acts 2:18
Acts 2:14-21
Joel 2:28-32
overview of the Acts of the Apostles
Acts 1, Acts 2, Acts 3
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 13, 2011
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,360+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.
your Spirit from above
and they will prophesy
speaking of your love
Your people with rise
speaking from their heart
offering your love
written on our flesh
on the beating of our hearts
July 13, 2011
Acts 2:18
Acts 2:14-21
Joel 2:28-32
overview of the Acts of the Apostles
Acts 1, Acts 2, Acts 3
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 13, 2011
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,360+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.
In the lives of those who believed
Christ here with us
God works unfolding
continuing to the present
in the lives of those who believed
going forward, onward
believing in his message
that he was the One
yet coming in service
to continue his holy work
here now, in the future
to the ends of the earth
July 13, 2011
overview of the Acts of the Apostles
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 13, 2011
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,360+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.
God works unfolding
continuing to the present
in the lives of those who believed
going forward, onward
believing in his message
that he was the One
yet coming in service
to continue his holy work
here now, in the future
to the ends of the earth
July 13, 2011
overview of the Acts of the Apostles
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 13, 2011
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,360+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
That Spark
The spark, that smile
that knowing grin
so much she has seen
so far she has been
going before us
showing us the way
living out her faith
every single day
July 12, 2011
for Ginny Gerseny’s 90th birthday
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,360+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
that knowing grin
so much she has seen
so far she has been
going before us
showing us the way
living out her faith
every single day
July 12, 2011
for Ginny Gerseny’s 90th birthday
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,360+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live
Monday, July 11, 2011
Farmers in the World – v3
We are the seeds
the fruit of God’s work
the living out of his glory
guided by the word
We are to be good soil
Farmers working
in the world
tending to the garden
the vineyard here on earth
Sharing our stories
the redeeming of love
sharing our stories
how Christ gave us new birth
the grace of God’s mercy
to the ends of the earth
July 10, 2011
the fruit of God’s work
the living out of his glory
guided by the word
We are to be good soil
Farmers working
in the world
tending to the garden
the vineyard here on earth
Sharing our stories
the redeeming of love
sharing our stories
how Christ gave us new birth
the grace of God’s mercy
to the ends of the earth
July 10, 2011
edited October 22, 2015
To scatter our seeds freely – v2
edited October 22, 2015
We too are Sowers – v2
July 20, 2011
We too are Sowers
July 20, 2011
To scatter our seeds freely
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (The Message Bible)
A Harvest Story
The Parable of the Sower
The Meaning of the Harvest Story
Isaiah 55:10-11 (GOD’S
WORD Translation)
Psalm 90:1-2 (Gods WORD Translation)(Call
to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s word
is life-giving”
and sermon: “Soaking Up
the Word”
by Pastor
Ruth Foss
sermon
blog
meditation
blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist
Church
Suncook, NH
July 10, 2011
Fifth Sunday of Pentecost
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 39,720+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Farmers in the World – v2
We are the seeds
we are to be good soil
Farmers working
in the world
tending to the garden
the vineyard here on earth
sharing our stories
the redeeming of love
the grace of God’s mercy
to the ends of the earth
July 10, 2011
we are to be good soil
Farmers working
in the world
tending to the garden
the vineyard here on earth
sharing our stories
the redeeming of love
the grace of God’s mercy
to the ends of the earth
July 10, 2011
edited October 22, 2015
To scatter our seeds freely – v2
edited October 22, 2015
We too are Sowers – v2
July 20, 2011
We too are Sowers
July 20, 2011
To scatter our seeds freely
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (The Message Bible)
A Harvest Story
The Parable of the Sower
The Meaning of the Harvest Story
Isaiah 55:10-11 (GOD’S
WORD Translation)
Psalm 90:1-2 (Gods WORD Translation)(Call
to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s word
is life-giving”
and sermon: “Soaking Up
the Word”
by Pastor
Ruth Foss
sermon
blog
meditation
blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist
Church
Suncook, NH
July 10, 2011
Fifth Sunday of Pentecost
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 39,720+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Farmers in the World
We are the seeds
we are to be good soil
Farmers working
in the world
tending to the garden
the vineyard here on earth
sharing our stories
how Christ gave us new birth
July 10, 2011
we are to be good soil
Farmers working
in the world
tending to the garden
the vineyard here on earth
sharing our stories
how Christ gave us new birth
July 10, 2011
edited October 22, 2015
To scatter our seeds freely – v2
edited October 22, 2015
We too are Sowers – v2
July 20, 2011
We too are Sowers
July 20, 2011
To scatter our seeds freely
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (The Message Bible)
A Harvest Story
The Parable of the Sower
The Meaning of the Harvest Story
Isaiah 55:10-11 (GOD’S
WORD Translation)
Psalm 90:1-2 (Gods WORD Translation)(Call
to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s word
is life-giving”
and sermon: “Soaking Up
the Word”
by Pastor
Ruth Foss
sermon
blog
meditation
blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist
Church
Suncook, NH
July 10, 2011
Fifth Sunday of Pentecost
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 39,720+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
To Grow and Bear Fruit
Our hearts open
open to God’s love
seeds planted
of God’s word
fed and watered
to grow and bear fruit
out into the world
bearing true witness
a harvest for the Lord
July 10, 2011
open to God’s love
seeds planted
of God’s word
fed and watered
to grow and bear fruit
out into the world
bearing true witness
a harvest for the Lord
July 10, 2011
edited October 22, 2015
To scatter our seeds freely – v2
edited October 22, 2015
We too are Sowers – v2
July 20, 2011
We too are Sowers
July 20, 2011
To scatter our seeds freely
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (The Message Bible)
A Harvest Story
The Parable of the Sower
The Meaning of the Harvest Story
Isaiah 55:10-11 (GOD’S
WORD Translation)
Psalm 90:1-2 (Gods WORD Translation)(Call
to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s word
is life-giving”
and sermon: “Soaking Up
the Word”
by Pastor
Ruth Foss
sermon
blog
meditation
blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist
Church
Suncook, NH
July 10, 2011
Fifth Sunday of Pentecost
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 39,720+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Harvest
The proof of our soil
the fruits of our life
in the harvest coming
from the seeds of God’s love
planted within us
growing in love
abiding within
in the flesh of our hearts
July 10, 2011
the fruits of our life
in the harvest coming
from the seeds of God’s love
planted within us
growing in love
abiding within
in the flesh of our hearts
July 10, 2011
edited October 22, 2015
To scatter our seeds freely – v2
edited October 22, 2015
We too are Sowers – v2
July 20, 2011
We too are Sowers
July 20, 2011
To scatter our seeds freely
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (The Message Bible)
A Harvest Story
The Parable of the Sower
The Meaning of the Harvest Story
Isaiah 55:10-11 (GOD’S
WORD Translation)
Psalm 90:1-2 (Gods WORD Translation)(Call
to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s word
is life-giving”
and sermon: “Soaking Up
the Word”
by Pastor
Ruth Foss
sermon
blog
meditation
blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist
Church
Suncook, NH
July 10, 2011
Fifth Sunday of Pentecost
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 39,720+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Harvest – v2
The proof of our soil
the fruits of our life
in the harvest coming
from the seeds of God’s love
July 10, 2011
the fruits of our life
in the harvest coming
from the seeds of God’s love
July 10, 2011
edited October 22, 2015
To scatter our seeds freely – v2
edited October 22, 2015
We too are Sowers – v2
July 20, 2011
We too are Sowers
July 20, 2011
To scatter our seeds freely
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (The Message Bible)
A Harvest Story
The Parable of the Sower
The Meaning of the Harvest Story
Isaiah 55:10-11 (GOD’S
WORD Translation)
Psalm 90:1-2 (Gods WORD Translation)(Call
to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s word
is life-giving”
and sermon: “Soaking Up
the Word”
by Pastor
Ruth Foss
sermon
blog
meditation
blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist
Church
Suncook, NH
July 10, 2011
Fifth Sunday of Pentecost
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 39,720+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
The Seed of God’s Word
The kernel of boundless love
the seed of God’s word
truth, wisdom, light
planted within us
into trembling, hopeful hearts
awed by your endless grace
humbled by your power
amazed by your love for us
Your living water
raining down, ever
Christ’s blood washing
covering us in protection
giving us peace
Pentecost power
growing in our time
fruits, seeds to share
freely from the bounty
the fruits, the harvest of God
love overflowing
pouring from our mouths
from our actins
for you Lord
now, were
where we have been planted
growing
in the arms of God’s love
July 10, 2011
the seed of God’s word
truth, wisdom, light
planted within us
into trembling, hopeful hearts
awed by your endless grace
humbled by your power
amazed by your love for us
Your living water
raining down, ever
Christ’s blood washing
covering us in protection
giving us peace
Pentecost power
growing in our time
fruits, seeds to share
freely from the bounty
the fruits, the harvest of God
love overflowing
pouring from our mouths
from our actins
for you Lord
now, were
where we have been planted
growing
in the arms of God’s love
July 10, 2011
edited October 22, 2015
To scatter our seeds freely – v2
edited October 22, 2015
We too are Sowers – v2
July 20, 2011
We too are Sowers
July 20, 2011
To scatter our seeds freely
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (The Message Bible)
A Harvest Story
The Parable of the Sower
The Meaning of the Harvest Story
Isaiah 55:10-11 (GOD’S
WORD Translation)
Psalm 90:1-2 (Gods WORD Translation)(Call
to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s word
is life-giving”
and sermon: “Soaking Up
the Word”
by Pastor
Ruth Foss
sermon
blog
meditation
blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist
Church
Suncook, NH
July 10, 2011
Fifth Sunday of Pentecost
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 39,720+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Planted in Us – v2
We are the earth
the good soil
the clay of our bodies
the seed of your love
your word planted
planted in us
the seed growing
rising from the dust
July 10, 2011
edited October 22, 2015
To scatter our seeds freely – v2
edited October 22, 2015
We too are Sowers – v2
July 20, 2011
We too are Sowers
July 20, 2011
To scatter our seeds freely
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (The Message Bible)
A Harvest Story
The Parable of the Sower
The Meaning of the Harvest Story
Isaiah 55:10-11 (GOD’S
WORD Translation)
Psalm 90:1-2 (Gods WORD Translation)(Call
to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s word
is life-giving”
and sermon: “Soaking Up
the Word”
by Pastor
Ruth Foss
sermon
blog
meditation
blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist
Church
Suncook, NH
July 10, 2011
Fifth Sunday of Pentecost
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 39,720+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Planted in Us
We are the earth
the good soil
the clay of our bodies
the seed of your love
your word planted
planted in us
the seed growing
rising from the dust
watered by the Spirit
growing in your love
July 10, 2011
the good soil
the clay of our bodies
the seed of your love
your word planted
planted in us
the seed growing
rising from the dust
watered by the Spirit
growing in your love
July 10, 2011
edited October 22, 2015
To scatter our seeds freely – v2
edited October 22, 2015
We too are Sowers – v2
July 20, 2011
We too are Sowers
July 20, 2011
To scatter our seeds freely
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (The Message Bible)
A Harvest Story
The Parable of the Sower
The Meaning of the Harvest Story
Isaiah 55:10-11 (GOD’S
WORD Translation)
Psalm 90:1-2 (Gods WORD Translation)(Call
to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s word
is life-giving”
and sermon: “Soaking Up
the Word”
by Pastor
Ruth Foss
sermon
blog
meditation
blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist
Church
Suncook, NH
July 10, 2011
Fifth Sunday of Pentecost
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 39,720+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Sermon, "Soaking Up the Word", by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, Suncook United Methodist Church, July 10, 2011
Soaking Up the Word
Isaiah 55:10-12 Gods Word Bible
Matthew 1-9, 18-23 The Message Bible
The Lord be with you
And also with you
Let us pray…
Creator God, you who make all things grow, we pray this day for your Spirit to be here with us as we hear your word. May your Spirit move within us, giving us the insight that we need to hear the word you have for us. May our hearts be good soil so that your word would grow and we would be ever closer to you. May we be rooted and grounded in your Word so that in times of trial we would remember the lessons we have learned and be emboldened to do your will not our own. Speak Lord…the soil of our hearts are thirsty for your word…amen.
Last year, Ray and I planted a vegetable garden in the back yard. We planted it so that we could grow vegetables and bring them over to the food pantry so that people could have fresh vegetables on their table. Man…it was hard work. We had to turn the soil, plant the seeds, weed the garden, water it, use miracle grow to help it grow. So many things we had to do and so much time it took up. I have a new appreciation for farmers now…
I don’t know how they do it…day after day they tend the farm, making sure everything is just right…if they don’t…there goes their livelihood. Their lives depend upon their being diligent as they tend their land. Weeds can come up and kill the good seeds that they have planted. If they don’t water it…it will wither and die.
You know…our spiritual life is a lot like that. If we don’t tend to it…if it is not watered by God’s Word…well…it too can wither and die. The weeds of life can come in and take over. The weeds can replace the good seed that was planted in us.
Jesus told a parable about just that type of thing happening. It is found in Matthew 13 verses 1-9 and 18-23. Listen to the parable and see if you too don’t see the analogy between the two…of a farmer who plants and the tending of our Spirit…(I am reading from the Message Bible this morning…)
We…our Spirits… well it’s like a garden in which the Word of God is planted. It takes time and energy to tend the soil. We need to be deliberate…we need to be intentional in feeding and watering that Spirit within us. Being Methodist I guess we could use the word methodical in the way we go about tending our soil…
But my question is this…why does the way God’s Word…the seed…vary so much? I don’t think it’s the seed…it is all the same word…it is what God uses and as we heard in the Isaiah passage this morning. It has to be the soil. But…and this is a big but…we shouldn’t judge others soil…we must not say that others soil is infertile… barren… fruitless…it is God’s work to make it grow. We are to spread our seeds…what we were given to share…to scatter our seed freely.
Shortly…we will continue to scatter our seed. We will be going to the backyard of the parsonage and plant yet another seed for God. We will be baptizing some of God’s children. As they grow in faith…it is our helping tend those seeds that will enable God to do His work.
As we prepare to scatter in the vineyard for God I…we…can’t help but stop and think…what kind of soil is there in our lives? What kind of environment are we creating for God’s seed? Are we open and inviting or are we being exclusive or inclusive in our scattering of God’s Word? Is our soil hard cement? Is our soil shallow? Are there weeds of the world that are crowding out the Word? Or, is our soil fertile ground in which God’s word is rooted and grounded…ever growing in the light of the Son and His Word? Only you can answer that question. But…let us continue to strive forward together as we are changed and shaped into the image of Christ to grow into who we are destined to be…gardeners…farmers…in the vineyard of God.
Amen.
Isaiah 55:10-12 Gods Word Bible
Matthew 1-9, 18-23 The Message Bible
The Lord be with you
And also with you
Let us pray…
Creator God, you who make all things grow, we pray this day for your Spirit to be here with us as we hear your word. May your Spirit move within us, giving us the insight that we need to hear the word you have for us. May our hearts be good soil so that your word would grow and we would be ever closer to you. May we be rooted and grounded in your Word so that in times of trial we would remember the lessons we have learned and be emboldened to do your will not our own. Speak Lord…the soil of our hearts are thirsty for your word…amen.
Last year, Ray and I planted a vegetable garden in the back yard. We planted it so that we could grow vegetables and bring them over to the food pantry so that people could have fresh vegetables on their table. Man…it was hard work. We had to turn the soil, plant the seeds, weed the garden, water it, use miracle grow to help it grow. So many things we had to do and so much time it took up. I have a new appreciation for farmers now…
I don’t know how they do it…day after day they tend the farm, making sure everything is just right…if they don’t…there goes their livelihood. Their lives depend upon their being diligent as they tend their land. Weeds can come up and kill the good seeds that they have planted. If they don’t water it…it will wither and die.
You know…our spiritual life is a lot like that. If we don’t tend to it…if it is not watered by God’s Word…well…it too can wither and die. The weeds of life can come in and take over. The weeds can replace the good seed that was planted in us.
Jesus told a parable about just that type of thing happening. It is found in Matthew 13 verses 1-9 and 18-23. Listen to the parable and see if you too don’t see the analogy between the two…of a farmer who plants and the tending of our Spirit…(I am reading from the Message Bible this morning…)
We…our Spirits… well it’s like a garden in which the Word of God is planted. It takes time and energy to tend the soil. We need to be deliberate…we need to be intentional in feeding and watering that Spirit within us. Being Methodist I guess we could use the word methodical in the way we go about tending our soil…
But my question is this…why does the way God’s Word…the seed…vary so much? I don’t think it’s the seed…it is all the same word…it is what God uses and as we heard in the Isaiah passage this morning. It has to be the soil. But…and this is a big but…we shouldn’t judge others soil…we must not say that others soil is infertile… barren… fruitless…it is God’s work to make it grow. We are to spread our seeds…what we were given to share…to scatter our seed freely.
Shortly…we will continue to scatter our seed. We will be going to the backyard of the parsonage and plant yet another seed for God. We will be baptizing some of God’s children. As they grow in faith…it is our helping tend those seeds that will enable God to do His work.
As we prepare to scatter in the vineyard for God I…we…can’t help but stop and think…what kind of soil is there in our lives? What kind of environment are we creating for God’s seed? Are we open and inviting or are we being exclusive or inclusive in our scattering of God’s Word? Is our soil hard cement? Is our soil shallow? Are there weeds of the world that are crowding out the Word? Or, is our soil fertile ground in which God’s word is rooted and grounded…ever growing in the light of the Son and His Word? Only you can answer that question. But…let us continue to strive forward together as we are changed and shaped into the image of Christ to grow into who we are destined to be…gardeners…farmers…in the vineyard of God.
Amen.
edited October 22, 2015
To scatter our seeds freely – v2
edited October 22, 2015
We too are Sowers – v2
July 20, 2011
We too are Sowers
July 20, 2011
To scatter our seeds freely
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (The Message Bible)
A Harvest Story
The Parable of the Sower
The Meaning of the Harvest Story
Isaiah 55:10-11 (GOD’S
WORD Translation)
Psalm 90:1-2 (Gods WORD Translation)(Call
to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s word
is life-giving”
and sermon: “Soaking Up
the Word”
by Pastor
Ruth Foss
sermon
blog
meditation
blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist
Church
Suncook, NH
July 10, 2011
Fifth Sunday of Pentecost
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 39,720+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
May our hearts be
A prayer for our hearts
from the depths of our souls
that we would be open
open to your calling
for your living word
that we would be good soil
for the seed planted,
the words of your love
ever open for the calling
the calling of our God
July 10, 2011 and July 11, 2011
from the depths of our souls
that we would be open
open to your calling
for your living word
that we would be good soil
for the seed planted,
the words of your love
ever open for the calling
the calling of our God
July 10, 2011 and July 11, 2011
edited October 22, 2015
To scatter our seeds freely – v2
edited October 22, 2015
We too are Sowers – v2
July 20, 2011
We too are Sowers
July 20, 2011
To scatter our seeds freely
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (The Message Bible)
A Harvest Story
The Parable of the Sower
The Meaning of the Harvest Story
Isaiah 55:10-11 (GOD’S
WORD Translation)
Psalm 90:1-2 (Gods WORD Translation)(Call
to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s word
is life-giving”
and sermon: “Soaking Up
the Word”
by Pastor
Ruth Foss
sermon
blog
meditation
blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist
Church
Suncook, NH
July 10, 2011
Fifth Sunday of Pentecost
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 39,720+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
grounded in your love – v2
Rooted in the word
grounded in your love
led by the Spirit
out into your world
Living water
come in love
healed by our Savior
who descended from above
edited July 11, 2011
July 10, 2011
grounded in your love
led by the Spirit
out into your world
Living water
come in love
healed by our Savior
who descended from above
edited July 11, 2011
July 10, 2011
edited October 22, 2015
To scatter our seeds freely – v2
edited October 22, 2015
We too are Sowers – v2
July 20, 2011
We too are Sowers
July 20, 2011
To scatter our seeds freely
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (The Message Bible)
A Harvest Story
The Parable of the Sower
The Meaning of the Harvest Story
Isaiah 55:10-11 (GOD’S
WORD Translation)
Psalm 90:1-2 (Gods WORD Translation)(Call
to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s word
is life-giving”
and sermon: “Soaking Up
the Word”
by Pastor
Ruth Foss
sermon
blog
meditation
blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist
Church
Suncook, NH
July 10, 2011
Fifth Sunday of Pentecost
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 39,720+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
grounded in your love
Rooted in the word
grounded in your love
led by the Spirit
out into your world
Living water
come from above
healed by our Savior
who descended in love
July 10, 2011
grounded in your love
led by the Spirit
out into your world
Living water
come from above
healed by our Savior
who descended in love
July 10, 2011
edited October 22, 2015
To scatter our seeds freely – v2
edited October 22, 2015
We too are Sowers – v2
July 20, 2011
We too are Sowers
July 20, 2011
To scatter our seeds freely
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (The Message Bible)
A Harvest Story
The Parable of the Sower
The Meaning of the Harvest Story
Isaiah 55:10-11 (GOD’S
WORD Translation)
Psalm 90:1-2 (Gods WORD Translation)(Call
to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s word
is life-giving”
and sermon: “Soaking Up
the Word”
by Pastor
Ruth Foss
sermon
blog
meditation
blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist
Church
Suncook, NH
July 10, 2011
Fifth Sunday of Pentecost
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 39,720+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
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