Come in, Come in

Not a taunt,
a plea, a cheering
the water much colder
but oh Dad, come in

Come in, Come in!
both girls shouted
needing to dive from the ladder
to build up my nerve
not walking in slowly
the chill rising
jumping in bodily

The shock only momentary
to squeals and shrieks of delight
bleeding off the day
spending moments precious
finding a way

August 6, 2011
-----------
Making the Whirlpool

Hands behind
little hands holding
the reins of the harness
the yoke of the draft horse
pulling them around
making the whirlpool
I hear them calling,
“Come on, Daddy;
come in the pool.”
a new meaning
known now to me;
them wanting the pack mule

July 13, 2010

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 12,820+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Gifts of Touch

From the Spirit given
gifts of touch, of healing
given to some
to life up the people
to bind the wounds
a balm for the spirit
to heal up in love
by the give of human touch

August 4, 2011 and August 6, 2011
1 Corinthians 12:9
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 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 12,820+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

The Bread of the Word

The living Christ
the body, the cup
the bread of the word
alive in our mouths
living within us
growing, the leavening
lifting us up
up off our feet
the bread rising
the Spirit within
guiding us forward
that we may lead
by following our Savior
his example in life
but remaining the salt of the earth
that we may be light

August 6, 2011
on seeing the title of the poem,
“Fed by His Words”, as I prepared to post it
to the www.faithwriters.com

==================

Fed by His Words

Not by bread
fed by his words
offering hope
a way through the troubles
a place beyond this world

His message, his life
giving a different direction
Love, not power
caring, not wealth
the way of the Lord


December 22, 2009
after reading comment on the following poem
on www.christianpoetry.org
-------------------

Racing To The Shore
© By: Raymond A. Foss


To be with him,
if only to touch
the edge of his coat
to be healed
Hungry people
racing to the shore
to where he would land
going before him
so they may be healed
so they may be fed

July 16, 2009 and July 19, 2009
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
and Alive Now Daily Reflection for July 16, 2009
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-july-13-19/

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 12,820+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

So Unworthy

Ever clay, failing to follow
to comprehend his gift
to accept grace completely
so weak in living
by the example of Christ
so unworthy to touch
even the dust of his feet
the thong of this sandal
even to wash
the earth from his presence
the grime from his feet

August 6, 2011
on seeing the title of the poem,
“The Thong of His Sandal”, as I prepared to post it
to the www.christianpoetry.org

The Thong of His Sandal

Oh, I know, so well
the words of John
I am so unworthy
not even to touch
the thong of his sandal

The dust of the road
the dirt of the path
his eyes set on Jerusalem
going before me
leading me
climbing the cross
in my place

Oh yes, I am aware
painful in my guilt
of my lowly state
utterly unworthy
of his amazing grace.


February 23, 2010
Mark 1:1-8
John 1:19-28
John the Baptist and Christ

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 12,820+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Deeply Planted

Into our good soil
repenting, ready
to soak up your word
ready for you
to change our lives
taking over our bodies
our paths
submissive to you
ever always.

August 6, 2011
on seeing the title of the poem,
“In the Good Soil”, as I prepared to post it
to the www.christianpoetry.org

In the Good Soil

The seeds growing, alive, vital
bearing fruit, beyond our comprehension
touching lives in ways we do not know

In the good soil, hearts open
the roots deep, strong
finding the word

Hope in the scripture
in the community of saints
all of us together
children of God

February 22, 2010
Mark 4:1-20 The Parable of the Sower
Mark 4:21-25 A Lamp on a Stand
Mark 4:26-29 The Parable of the Growing Seed
Mark 4:30-34 The Parable of the Mustard Seed
Mark 4:1-34
&
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and bible study 2/21/2010
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-15-21/
for February 15, 2010 to February 21, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for 2/16/2010, read 2/22/2010
&
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 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 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. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,820+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Two Men – v2

Caesar and the Christ
so different, kings of different sorts
the babe, of regal birth, in a manger laid
power, authority, humility, death on a cross
by might to rule, by love to serve
opposites, juxtaposed,
called saviors in their time
very different models
woven in that moment in time

Today only one stands, alone
whose birth we wait for
to this very day
Christ, the Son of God
come down as man
the Christ, our Messiah
our Savior, our brother
Lives and reigns
in our hearts, the Spirit
and the lamb upon the throne


edited August 5, 2011
after rereading it when someone commented on this poem
on www.faithwriters.com
originally written December 20, 2009
Luke 2:1-14
Micah 4:1-7
Fourth Sunday in Advent wreath liturgy,
by Amy C. Wake, GBOD,
pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "The Birthday We Do Not Celebrate"”
(Caesar Augustus –
http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Caesar_Augustus.html)
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 20, 2009
Fourth Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for December 14, 2009 to December 20, 2009
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-december-14-20/
Luke 2:1-7 (December 18, 2009)
Luke 2:8-20 (December 19, 2009)
&
Luke 2:6-7
& Advent Christmas offering letter
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

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 12,790+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Our Clay not yet Hardened

Wanting to be open
God’s plan working out in me
Giving over my will
turning my life over to Thee

Our clay not yet hardened
awash in shimmering light
here on the earth being molding
into the image of Christ

Doing our part now
spending time in the word
sharing our witness, our blessings
to the end of the earth

In the waiting, the journey
coming closer to God
waiting for the moment, the gathering
rising up from the world

August 5, 2011
on seeing the poem title,
“Our Work Unfinished”
before posting it to www.faithwriters.com
-------------
Our Work Unfinished

In the waiting
the Advent, coming of Christ
we must continue
our work unfinished
sharing the good news

Joining the heavenly chorus
the saints up in the sky
heralding the coming of the king
the Messiah, arise

Sing with the angels
hark, hear the news,
in the night of this world
Christ has come to save
love come down to earth
to bring us home to God


December 22, 2009
Prayer of Dedication,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
“Loving God, we eagerly anticipate the joy-filled
celebration of Jesus’ birthday party. We hear again the
news of peace on earth and good will to all. So we offer
these gifts to you; so that the good news of Christ’s birth
will once more be heard by all, and that we will come
closer to that day of peace. In the name of Christ at whose
birth all heave sang we pray. Amen”
Matthew 28:18-20
Luke 2:1-14
Micah 4:1-7
Fourth Sunday in Advent wreath liturgy,
by Amy C. Wake, GBOD,
pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "The Birthday We Do Not Celebrate"”
(Caesar Augustus –
http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Caesar_Augustus.html)
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 20, 2009
Fourth Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for December 14, 2009 to December 20, 2009
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-december-14-20/
Luke 2:1-7 (December 18, 2009)
Luke 2:8-20 (December 19, 2009)
&
Luke 2:6-7
& Advent Christmas offering letter
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

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 12,820+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live

On this Journey - 2

Walking with our Savior
yoked with our brother
beside the Master
guiding our steps
His Spirit within us
the Spirit of God
ever walking with us
on this journey, this path
going ever with him
on the journey of life
walking ever with him
in the way of the cross

August 5, 2011
on seeing the poem title,
“Walking Daily”
before posting it to www.faithwriters.com
-------------

Walking Daily

In our walking
daily with Christ
the yoke upon our shoulders
our steps beside his
The call to spread the news
God’s love come down
to earth, to share
a way through the wilderness

We are the messengers
the hands and feet of Christ
the voices crying out
urging love to replace hate
sharing together
with the saints who came before
the task, the plan of God
healing the breach of man

Sin wiped away,
the consequence of blood
given by the lamb upon the cross
going there, a sacrifice
Telling the world
the power of God’s love
able to seal the breach of man
a life in heaven awaits

December 22, 2009

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 12,820+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live

Smooth Stones of the Wadi

For our giants
Goliath’s in our lives
remembering He is with us
a presence all our days
thinking of the smooth stones
their texture, their weight
Carrying them ever with us
God with us
all of our days

August 5, 2011
seeing the stones on my desk
& thinking of the earlier poem,
-------
Discerning My Stones

Like David, encumbered
each of us weighed down
when we put on the armor
the suit of another
ignoring the gifts
especially made
given by the creator
only to us

Each of us needing
as part of Christ’s ministry
witnesses now
to his goodness on earth
discerning my stones
the gifts of the wadi
taking up my own sling
out into the world


February 3, 2011
1 Samuel 17:38-40
Posting: “I'll Wear My Own Suit Thank You. . .”
http://ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com/2011/02/ill-wear-my-own-siut-thank-you.html
on Pastor Ruth L. Foss’
http://ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord blog
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 2, 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 12,820+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Kill Me

A challenge of Christ
in words they could not understand
to kill him, the Temple
to show his authority
to raise up the temple
that all would be free

August 3, 2011
John 2:19
John 2:18-22
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 3, 2011
read John 2:13-25, John 3:1-18

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 20,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Power to Raise

What authority did he have
the leaders wanted to know
His answer surprising
beyond their understanding
Telling them to destroy
the temple, his body
that he had the power
to rise from the grave

August 3, 2011
John 2:19
John 2:18-22
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 3, 2011
read John 2:13-25, John 3:1-18

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 12,810+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

His challenge to them

His challenge to them
in the temple courts
claiming his birthright
the mantle of God
Knowing why he came
who he truly is
preparing his body
for the sacrifice of sin

August 3, 2011
John 2:19
John 2:18-22
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 3, 2011
read John 2:13-25, John 3:1-18

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 12,810+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Destroy this Body

Destroy this body
the temple of God’s love
that he may be built up
on the third day

Calling out the leaders
false teachers of the word
to destroy this body
that we would be restored

August 3, 2011
John 2:19
John 2:18-22
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 3, 2011
read John 2:13-25, John 3:1-18

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 20,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Destroy this Temple

Claiming his authority
in denying theirs
calling them out
in the courts of the Lord

Ready to die
to fulfill prophecy
challenging them to kill him
that we all would be free

August 3, 2011
John 2:19
John 2:18-22
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 3, 2011
read John 2:13-25, John 3:1-18

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 12,810+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

In three days

an incredulous statement
inconceivable
the assertion of Christ
if they tore down the Temple
he could raise it up
in three days time
the church, the body
redeemed, restored
raised up from the dead

August 3, 2011
John 2:19
John 2:18-22
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 3, 2011
read John 2:13-25, John 3:1-18

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 12,810+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

The Temple of His Body

The temple of his body
describing the church
the forming of our faith
centered on the Christ
The challenge to his authority
leading to his challenge
to hasten the fulfillment
of the prophecy
the challenge to kill him
to remove the sting
the rising from the dead
to bring us to eternity

August 3, 2011
John 2:21-22
John 2:18-22
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 3, 2011
read John 2:13-25, John 3:1-18

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 20,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

In answering their question

Speaking in metaphor
in veiled language
beyond their understanding
speaking of the temple
challenging them
in answering their question
defining the scope of his authority
his right to clear the temple
speaking of his body
challenging them to kill him
that death would not hold him
rising on the third day
foreshadowing later
the lamb going to slaughter
yet rising on the third day
as he prophesied.

August 3, 2011
John 2:19
John 2:18-22
John 2:12-22
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 3, 2011
read John 2:13-25, John 3:1-18

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 12,800+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

The Holiness of the Temple

The body, the presence
Christ seeing the merchants
those defiling the space
the holiness of the Temple
a whip of cords
driving them out
those selling sacrifices
at the feet of our God
making his house a market
not a seat of worship
reclaiming the Temple
with zeal and power
with the authority of God

August 3, 2011
John 2:15
John 2:12-17
Jesus clears the Temple
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 3, 2011
read John 2:13-25, John 3:1-18

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 12,800+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Perfected in Love

Not something sentimental
love like a flame
burning, as the Spirit
the Pentecost fire
swirling round, within us
like the refiner’s fire
burning off imperfections

Perfected in Love
the crucible of the Spirit
guiding us onward
carrying the yoke of Christ
the cross of redemption
the pain, suffering
through the fire becoming
a reflection of God
bringing us closer
closer to our Lord

August 4, 2011
“Finish Then, Thy Creation, posting on John Meunier’s blog
http://johnmeunier.wordpress.com/2011/08/04/finish-then-thy-new-creation/
From John Wesley’s journal Sept. 15, 1762:
“The more I converse with the believers in Cornwall, the more I am convinced that they have sustained great loss for want of hearing the doctrine of Christian Perfection clearly and strongly enforced. I see, wherever this is not done, the believers grow dead and cold. Nor can this be prevented, but by keeping up in them an hourly expectation of being perfected in love. I say an hourly expectation; for to expect it at death, or some time hence, is much the same as not expecting it at all.”

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 12,800+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

A Whip of Cords

The zeal of Christ
clearing the Temple
driving out the sellers
from the courts of the Lord
seeking purity, cleansing the Temple
making it holy, clean
for the presence of God

August 3, 2011
John 2:15
John 2:12-17
Jesus clears the Temple
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 3, 2011
read John 2:13-25, John 3:1-18

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 20,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

His 1st Miracle

The wedding at Cana
water into wine
revealing himself
over a long time
little moments
compassion, paradise
bits of heaven
flowing out of the Christ

August 3, 2011
John 2:1-11
Wedding at Cana
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 3, 2011
read John 2:13-25, John 3:1-18

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 12,800+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

The One Same God

Lord over all
Father-Son-Spirit
the one same God
giving us gifts
the Spirit giving
sharing with each
special, individual
giving us gifts
to lift the world up
to share his message
Christ’s message of love

August 4, 2011
1 Corinthians 12
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 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 12,800+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

The Zeal of Christ

For God’s house
for that place of presence
the zeal of Christ
for the Temple
To keep it holy
driving them out
gate of heaven
not a marketplace

August 3, 2011
John 2:15
John 2:12-17
Jesus clears the Temple
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 3, 2011
read John 2:13-25, John 3:1-18

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 21,150+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Born of Heaven

The Spirit alone
gives birth to spirit
water, dust
not of this earth
only born of heaven
Spirit within
restoring us to glory
to walk with our God,
to gather rich treasure
as our eternal reward

August 3, 2011
John 3:6
John 3:5-6
John 3:1-18
Nicodemus and Christ
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 3, 2011
read John 2:13-25, John 3:1-18

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 12,800+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Born of this earth

of dust and water
of the breath of God
born of this earth
dying some day
Returning to dust
our body our blood
our spirits only
returning from the dying
returning above

August 3, 2011
John 3:5-6
John 3:1-18
Nicodemus and Christ
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 3, 2011
read John 2:13-25, John 3:1-18

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 12,800+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Born of Water

Born of water
born of this earth
from the womb of woman
walking this path
the journey of life
only in dying
given new birth
release from the earth
from the sting of sin
reborn of the Spirit
letting us live

August 3, 2011
John 3:5-6
John 3:1-18
Nicodemus and Christ
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 3, 2011
read John 2:13-25, John 3:1-18

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 12,800+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

If we had walked down the aisle

So long ago, years
lifetimes and more
parallel paths, journey of our days
together, yet separate
on the same day
if we had walked down the aisle
on that first day
where would we be now
would we be together
on this journey today

August 4, 2011
on August 4, 1984 at 11:00am,
date and time of our two first marriages
(only 30 miles apart)
&
Ruth
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

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 12,650+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

To be a vessel

Let my clay be formed
let me be lifted up
to be a vessel
to be filled up

Oh Lord, my Creator
my Savior, my God
fill me, use me
oh let me be poured

August 4, 2011
written after receiving comment on poem,
“Through Us”, after posting it 8/2/2011
to www.christianpoetry.org
&
Through Us

God’s purposes,
God’s holy plans
worked out through us
the sheep of his flock
servants of this one master
brothers and sisters
all part of his family
all children of God


February 22, 2010
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
1 Thessalonians 5:11
1 Corinthians 5:5
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=2&day=16&year=2010
for February 16, 2010,
“Thank You!”,
by Allan Baker
read 2/22/2010

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 12,800+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Giving out Gifts

In the hush of the courts of heaven
the gathered trinity
sharing the gifts of the Spirit
choosing them for you and me

To some wisdom,
to some abundant faith
tongues to share for some
some prophecy

All to lift up the body
the body of Christ
to make of us disciples
to save the human race

August 3, 2011
1 Corinthians 12
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 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 12,790+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Just as He determines

Each of our gifts
by the one Spirit
poured down on us
fruits of God
gifts given
just as He determines
to each one gifts
out of God’s great love

August 3, 2011
1 Corinthians 12:11
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 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 12,790+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Healing

To some is given
by the one Spirit
the power to heal
to assuage the soul
to mend the body
to bring one’s spirit
to a place of comfort
to give healing
by a touch, a word
to bring them to You
life evermore

August 3, 2011
1 Corinthians 12:9
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 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 12,790+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Tongues

The ability to speak
to interpret tongues
nothing to focus on
in the gathered crowd
the confusions causing
not lifting up
be mindful of the people
that they may be led
brought closer to him
our Creator, our God
that the words in languages
musings of the Spirit
that they would lift up
all of God’s children


August 3, 2011
1 Corinthians 12:10
1 Corinthians 14, 1 Corinthians 15, 1 Corinthians 16
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read August 1, 2011 and August 2, 2011
&
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 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 12,790+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Inclusive

for all who believe
for all who follow
a place in the kingdom
a place in paradise

for those who follow
who follow the Christ
A way through the darkness
into the light

August 2, 2011
affirming Inclusivism
Acts 11:2-18 (NRSV Bible)
1 Peter 3:8-9, 15 (NRSV Bible)
Psalm 118:19-20, 24 (NRSV Bible)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “We are all one Family of God”
Children’s Time
and sermon: “I Got Your Back!”
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 31, 2011
Eighth Sunday of Pentecost
&
Genesis 1:1-8
Matthew 22:16b-17, 21b-22
Unison Prayer
“Loving, Merciful God, giver of all knowledge,
we thank you for your Spirit, here among us.
We ask for eyes to see you at work in our lives
and the lives of others, ears to hear the words
you have for us, and a heart that is open to
your love and grace. It is truly good to be in
the house of the Lord! Amen.”
Worship Theme: “God’s Wisdom”
Children’s Time
and sermon: “We don’t know everything?”
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 24, 2011
Seventh Sunday of Pentecost
&
church sign, “Hanging Out with Jesus”
July 17, 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
&
Sermon series by the Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://adamhamilton.cor.org/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/RevAdamHamilton
http://www.abingdonpress.com/adamhamilton/forms/default.aspx?pageid=554&id=106
“When Christians Get It Wrong”
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Rev-Hamilton-When-Christians-Get-It-Wrong-1298797.htm
http://www.abingdonpress.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=6223
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEp5aGSwUmY

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 12,790+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live

Freedom to Reject

God loves us
dying on the cross
yet giving us freedom
to reject him
again and again
letting us choose death
because he loves us that much

August 2, 2011
refuting Universalism
Acts 11:2-18 (NRSV Bible)
1 Peter 3:8-9, 15 (NRSV Bible)
Psalm 118:19-20, 24 (NRSV Bible)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “We are all one Family of God”
Children’s Time
and sermon: “I Got Your Back!”

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 31, 2011
Eighth Sunday of Pentecost
&
Genesis 1:1-8
Matthew 22:16b-17, 21b-22
Unison Prayer
“Loving, Merciful God, giver of all knowledge,
we thank you for your Spirit, here among us.
We ask for eyes to see you at work in our lives
and the lives of others, ears to hear the words
you have for us, and a heart that is open to
your love and grace. It is truly good to be in
the house of the Lord! Amen.”
Worship Theme: “God’s Wisdom”
Children’s Time
and sermon: “We don’t know everything?”

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 24, 2011
Seventh Sunday of Pentecost
&
church sign, “Hanging Out with Jesus”
July 17, 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
&
Sermon series by the Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://adamhamilton.cor.org/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/RevAdamHamilton
http://www.abingdonpress.com/adamhamilton/forms/default.aspx?pageid=554&id=106
“When Christians Get It Wrong”
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Rev-Hamilton-When-Christians-Get-It-Wrong-1298797.htm
http://www.abingdonpress.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=6223
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEp5aGSwUmY

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 21,250+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Prophecy - haiku

A gift of vision
prophecy of God’s judgment
lifting up people

August 2, 2011
1 Corinthians 12:10
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 2011

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 21,250+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Prophecy

A gift of vision
life, prophecy
knowing not the future
yet setting the people free
Offered from the Spirit
a gift rising within
showing us the way, judgment
the way to God for man
to heal us completely
guiding our feet
to walk with God again

August 2, 2011
1 Corinthians 12:10
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 2011

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 21,250+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Faith is a Gift – v2

Not all of us given
not the whole world
by the Spirit given
Filled with your word

Faith is a gift
planted within us
seeds of God’s love
growing inside

As we walk with the Son
ever coming nearer
round, in our journey
nearer my God to thee

Giving us wings, freedom
setting the captives free
by the one Spirit
causing us to believe

August 2, 2011
1 Corinthians 12:9
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 2011

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 21,250+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Faith is a Gift – v1

Not all of us given
not the whole world
by the Spirit given
Faith is a gift
planted within us
seeds of God’s love
growing within us
as we walk with the Son
ever coming nearer
nearer my God to thee
giving us wings, freedom
setting the captives free

August 2, 2011
1 Corinthians 12:9
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 2011

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 21,250+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Faith – haiku – 3 – v2

Faith to move mountains
as small as the mustard seed
growing up in me

August 2, 2011
1 Corinthians 12:9
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 2011

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 21,250+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Faith – haiku – 3

Faith to move mountains
as small as the mustard seed
bringing us to thee

August 2, 2011
1 Corinthians 12:9
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 2011

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 21,250+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Faith – haiku - 2

Faith from the Spirit
planted within our own hearts
growing in God’s love


August 2, 2011
1 Corinthians 12:9
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 2011

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 21,250+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

To Some Faith

The apostle sharing
the wisdom he was given
the gifts of the Spirit
poured out on each one
Not all getting
the same gifts of the Spirit
the Lord choosing
which ones to give

To some faith
a gift of the Spirit
though that seems to suggest
not for each one of us
some given more
a greater portion
Faith to move mountains
to walk on the sea.

August 1, 2011
1 Corinthians 12:9
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 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 12,780+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Different Kinds of Gifts

Different kinds of gifts
to raise up the body
to give us a chance
to serve our master
striving to be faithful
going to Christ’s calling
to make disciples in the world
to the ends of the earth

All from the one Spirit
the musings of God
giving each a portion
of the body of Christ
fulfilling God’s purpose
in the gifts given
offered as our gift
to your troubled world

August 1, 2011
1 Corinthians 12:4
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 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 12,780+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

wait for each other

sit together, one family
around the Lord’s table
wait for each other
that all may be fed
be pure, of good conscience
humble, submissive
entering in, reverent,
to the time of remembrance
coming to Christ’s table
in the Spirit of love

August 1, 2011
1 Corinthians 11:33
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 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 12,780+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

New Wine, the Cup

The new covenant
written in his blood
poured out, freely
raining out for us

New wine
not held in old skins
poured into our cups
that we may live


August 1, 2011
1 Corinthians 11:25
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 2011

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 21,150+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Message of Wisdom

To some given
the message of wisdom
to guide the believers
sharing with the people
the depths of God’s teaching
showing us the way
the journey of faith
from the heart of God’s wisdom
given, offered
to just some of us

August 1, 2011
1 Corinthians 12:8
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 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 12,780+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

The Message of Knowledge

Divining truth,
fear for God’s people
messages of knowledge
to teach the people
Sharing power
the witness of creation
God’s message to us
written in the Word


August 1, 2011
1 Corinthians 12:8
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 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 12,780+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Spiritual Gifts

Gifts of God
of the Spirit descending
falling bodily
falling on us

To each given
a different blessing
for the work of the kingdom
for the body of Christ

August 1, 2011
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 2011

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 21,250+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

None but the Faithful – v2

Closing a door
a way to the past
turning to God
the way of the cross

Nothing remaining
of the life we once led
none but the faithful
for the journey ahead

The old connections
left behind
the seasons changing
in God’s holy time

edited August 1, 2011
July 29, 2011
1 Corinthians 5:11
1 Corinthians 5:12
1 Corinthians 5, 1 Corinthians 6, 1 Corinthians 7
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 29, 2011
&
Romans 9:1-5
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for July 28, 2011, read July 29, 2011
&
for July 25, 2011 to July 31, 2011,
“Who Am I?”, by Dan R. Dick
&
Mark 3:31-35

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 21,250+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Compelled to Preach – v2

The Spirit controlling
the flesh weak
submitting to God
that I may teach

Compelled to preach
to share one message
the gospel coming
pouring from me

Nothing of choice
truly taken over
only that I be empty
that I may be filled

Giving myself over
to God’s holy word
Sharing His message
out into the world

edited February 2, 2015

Compelled to Preach – v5

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/02/compelled-to-preach-v5.html

(merging edits to version 3 and version 4)

edited June 1, 2014

Compelled to Preach – v4

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/06/compelled-to-preach-v4.html

(editing version 2)

edited June 1, 2014

Compelled to Preach – v3

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/06/compelled-to-preach-v3.html

(editing original again)

edited August 1, 2011

Compelled to Preach – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2011/08/compelled-to-preach-v2.html

July 30, 2011

Compelled to Preach

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2011/07/compelled-to-preach.html

1 Corinthians 9:15-18

1 Corinthians 8, 1 Corinthians 9, 1 Corinthians 10

90 day New Testament Bible Study

read July 30, 2011

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 35,610+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

petals of powder

sealed in the blossom
as if held in place
petals of powder
clung round the center
unfurling with the warming
the light of the sun
Opening wider
feeling the rays
the pure white petals
alive, on display

August 1, 2011
after reading poem from 7/30/11,
“Something perfect”, about
Rose of Sharon blossom
in the backyard
July 29, 2011

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 21,250+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Sermon, "I Got Your Back", by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, Suncook United Methodist Church, July 31, 2011

Pastor Ruth Foss
July 31, 2011
Seventh Sunday of Pentecost
Psalm 118:19-20, 24 NRSV Bible
1 Peter 3:8-9, 15 NRSV Bible
Acts 11:2-18 NRSV Bible

“I Got Your Back”

I have been listening a lot these days about the problem that America has regarding the debt ceiling. . . about how we, as a country, have a real problem on or hands. If we don’t find a solution soon we are in for a world of problems. In listening to the news stations like CNN and such, I have heard one thing that keeps reverberating with me. There is one view that keeps coming to me. That view is that government just can’t get along. Everyone is out for their own agenda and they won’t budge until they get what they want. It doesn’t matter that these different political camps are working on the same problem of the debt. They need to have their own self-interests fed. What they believe is more important than what is good for the “whole community.”

You know. . . this kind of reminds me of the Star Trek movie “In Search of Spock”. . . at least I think that’s the name of it. . . the one where Spock is in this chamber and Jim is on the outside. In this chamber, all this radioactive stuff is going on. He is in there because the “core” of the ship needs to be fixed or the ship will blow. Spock is dying and Jim wants to get him out. . . to save him. Spock says to him “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one.” He was willing to give his one life for the life of the many people on the Enterprise. . . maybe the people in Washington need to see this movie. . .

And now. . . I have been told. . . they have made a decision to have a 2.5 trillion dollar budget deal that hurts the poor and it doesn’t even touch the lives of the super rich. . . how great and merciful is that? It has made me also think about the Christian community. How some Christians won’t budge on their beliefs. . . their own agendas. . . even if it hurts the “whole Christian community”. . . Christianity itself.

Over the past couple of weeks, we have been looking at Adam Hamilton’s book “When Christians Get It Wrong.” We’ve talked about how some young people see some Christians, of how they are un-Christian to others and treat them with disdain instead of love. We’ve talked about how some young people have seen how some Christians have on kind of blinders when it comes to the Sciences. We’ve even talked a little about how some young people see Christians in the political arena and how they don’t hold to their “Christian values”. . . these instances are making these young people turn away from Christianity. . . away from the saving grace of Christ.

This week, we are going to talk about how some young people see Christians as they interact with others from other religions. For some reason, there are some Christians that won’t budge from their “doctrinal” beliefs. They believe that what they know or what they think they know is the right belief and everyone else has it wrong. Anyone who thinks anything that is different than them is an outsider, doomed to Hell and damnation. Where the grace. . . is where is the mercy. . . where is the love in that?

In his book. . . Adam Hamilton talks about three types of “arenas”
1. Universalismthe belief that everyone will be reconciled to God. It’s nice to think that everyone will be reconciled no matter what but it takes away the freedom of those who choose to reject God’s invitation given through the cross. Scripture even tells us that God invites us. . . not that God forces us to accept His invitation.

2. Exclusivismthe belief that anyone who has not accepted Christ is not going to heaven. This means that children who died without receiving Christ or those with a mental disability who have not accepted Christ and even those who have never heard the Gospel of Grace. These children of God will never reach their heavenly home. . .
And
3. InclusivismThe belief that Jesus died for the sins of the world and God gives salvation to anyone based on His own criteria. This gives people who sought to serve Him a chance, even if they never heard the gospel of Grace. . . or people who never quite understood where this grace is found, at the foot of the Cross. . . God looks at the heart of the individual.

Peter had this type of issue about his beliefs until God helped him understand through a dream. It changed Peter’s life forever. It is found in Acts 11:2-18. . . lets read the account of his dream together. . . it is found on page. . . in your pew bible. . . Read Act 11:2-18.

Peter finally understood. . . he got it. It was not up to him to say who is worthy and who is not. . . it was not up to him to decide who belongs. Only God can do that.

Salvation is by grace and grace alone. It is not our grace but God’s grace to us. All we bring to the table is faith. . . that’s it. . . nothing more. Our faith enables us to believe that God loves us, has called us to be His and offers us salvation. The most powerful witness we can give is to love others no matter what. . . to show compassion and mercy to others no matter what. Think about it for a minute. . . if we were not shown compassion and mercy from God, there never would have been a cross at Calvary. . . there never would have been salvation offered to us as a free gift from God. Where would we be without it?
Where would our hope come from. . . ? What we need to do is to be sure that others receive the same hope and love that we have received.

Amen!

James 2:8-13 (Common English Bible)

Acts 10:13-15, 27-28 (NRSV Bible)

Call to Worship (GBOD)

Prayer of Dedication

Worship Theme: “We all have sacred worth. . .”

and sermon: “God says what?!”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2011/08/sermon-god-says-what-by-pastor-ruth.html

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

August 21, 2011

Eleventh Sunday of Pentecost

&

2 Corinthians 4:7-18 (NRSV Bible)

Job 16:1-5 (NRSV Bible)

Psalm 96:1-6 (NRSV Bible)(Call to Worship)

Communion

Worship Theme: “Why do bad things happen?”

Children’s Time

and sermon: “In My Weakness I am Strong”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2011/08/sermon-in-my-weakness-i-am-strong-by.html

by Pastor Ruth Foss

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

August 7, 2011

Nineth Sunday of Pentecost

&

Acts 11:2-18 (NRSV Bible)

1 Peter 3:8-9, 15 (NRSV Bible)

Psalm 118:19-20, 24 (NRSV Bible)(Call to Worship)

Worship Theme: “We are all one Family of God”

Children’s Time

and sermon: “I Got Your Back!”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2011/08/sermon-i-got-your-back-by-pastor-ruth-l.html

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 31, 2011

Eighth Sunday of Pentecost

&

Genesis 1:1-8

Matthew 22:16b-17, 21b-22

Unison Prayer

“Loving, Merciful God, giver of all knowledge,

we thank you for your Spirit, here among us.

We ask for eyes to see you at work in our lives

and the lives of others, ears to hear the words

you have for us, and a heart that is open to

your love and grace. It is truly good to be in

the house of the Lord! Amen.”

Worship Theme: “God’s Wisdom”

Children’s Time

and sermon: “We don’t know everything?”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

July 24, 2011

Seventh Sunday of Pentecost

&

church sign, “Hanging Out with Jesus”

July 17, 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

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

July 17, 2011

Sixth Sunday of Pentecost

&

Sermon series by the Reverend Adam Hamilton

http://adamhamilton.cor.org/

http://www.facebook.com/#!/RevAdamHamilton

http://www.abingdonpress.com/adamhamilton/forms/default.aspx?pageid=554&id=106

 “When Christians Get It Wrong”

http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Rev-Hamilton-When-Christians-Get-It-Wrong-1298797.htm

http://www.abingdonpress.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=6223

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEp5aGSwUmY

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 38,770+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

In the Prism of Time

Through the lens of the future
through the prism of time
how will history judge
the decision, the deal
whether we avoid disaster
the short-term solution
the debt ceiling number
able to rise
what price compromise
in the future debate
the election soon to come
the battles yet to wage
the costs of dealing
of politics over principle
seeking to get something done
appeasing evil
in the name of compromise
in the art of negotiating
another moment in time

July 31, 2011
Debt Ceiling debate
decision not to include revenues on super rich

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 21,250+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Appeasing Evil

Like the class warfare of the past
the robber barons
the march of Hitler
across Europe
or maybe the words
of Marie Antoinette
Let them eat cake
those in the dust

Appeasing evil
holding onto our treasure
compromising with the devil
holding our mettle
allowing the tyrants
the rich, the powerful
to have the final say
to dictate injustice
the reckoning will come
the callow with the evil
needing to stand up
to say no to this deal

July 31, 2011
Debt Ceiling debate
decision not to include revenues on super rich
&
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 2011

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 21,250+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Denying them food

At the table with us
claiming his name
breaking bread together
yet denying them food
hording our treasure
what we had brought
denying our neighbors
the lessons that Jesus taught

Nothing of love
of our fellow man
in the decisions in the temple
to keep all they can
the burden on the weak
denied food at the table
theirs to bear the cost
because they have no voice

July 31, 2011
Debt Ceiling debate
decision not to include revenues on super rich
1 Corinthians 11:21
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 2011

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 21,250+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Hate for our neighbors

The bullies winning
showing no mercy
the leaders abandoning
doing what is evil
appeasing our brothers
those standing with us
hate for our neighbors
those who have need

Keeping the excess
the gluttonous profit
the treasures of this world
even at the same table
denying our neighbors
the oppressed, our children
hope dashed in the belief
that greed truly is good

July 31, 2011
Debt Ceiling debate
decision not to include revenues on super rich
1 Corinthians 11:21
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 2011

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 21,250+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Where is Love

In hording our treasure
in eating our fill
at the feast
the bounty
where is the love
in denying our brothers
in keeping our treasure
why they starve at the table

July 31, 2011
Debt Ceiling debate
decision not to include revenues on super rich
1 Corinthians 11:21
1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read July 31, 2011

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 21,250+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Grace is Found

Nothing of ourselves
only in God
grace is found
at the foot of the cross
in the love of God
the Father, the Son
giving themselves as an offering
saving us from the dust

July 31, 2011
Acts 11:2-18 (NRSV Bible)
1 Peter 3:8-9, 15 (NRSV Bible)
Psalm 118:19-20, 24 (NRSV Bible)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “We are all one Family of God”
Children’s Time
and sermon: “I Got Your Back!”

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 31, 2011
Eighth Sunday of Pentecost
&
Genesis 1:1-8
Matthew 22:16b-17, 21b-22
Unison Prayer
“Loving, Merciful God, giver of all knowledge,
we thank you for your Spirit, here among us.
We ask for eyes to see you at work in our lives
and the lives of others, ears to hear the words
you have for us, and a heart that is open to
your love and grace. It is truly good to be in
the house of the Lord! Amen.”
Worship Theme: “God’s Wisdom”
Children’s Time
and sermon: “We don’t know everything?”

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 24, 2011
Seventh Sunday of Pentecost
&
church sign, “Hanging Out with Jesus”
July 17, 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
&
Sermon series by the Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://adamhamilton.cor.org/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/RevAdamHamilton
http://www.abingdonpress.com/adamhamilton/forms/default.aspx?pageid=554&id=106
“When Christians Get It Wrong”
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Rev-Hamilton-When-Christians-Get-It-Wrong-1298797.htm
http://www.abingdonpress.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=6223
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEp5aGSwUmY

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 21,250+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.