Saturday, August 27, 2011

Peace in the Coming Storm

Foreboding, images
the storm raging
calm, joy
in this time before
in the gathered family
our town, Old Home Day,
yet knowing some of what
tomorrow holds in store

Peace in the coming storm
only because you are with us
praying without ceasing
to weather this storm
to be with us
ever beside us
guiding us through
the shoals of this life
the natural disasters
the winds that will come
the trials of this life

Calm now,
but tomorrow the rains
the winds whipping
come what may
Peace in the coming
in the storm to come
with us ever
the comfort of our rock
our Savior, our God
with us always
with us to protect us
whenever the winds rage


August 27, 2011
the coming of Hurricane Irene
and earlier poem
-----------------------
Calm in the Midst of the Stormy Night

Settling for a few moments
sittings still in the midst
of the stormy night
lightening and thunder
held at bay
for a few blissful minutes
quieting the day,
slowing down a bit more
feeling the peace
Your heavenly peace
in the words shared
our few moments
together, quiet
in the midst
of storm

June 21, 2007 21:54

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 13,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com>Poetry Where You Live.

Friday, August 26, 2011

At the fount of living waters

Seated before Jesus
at his feet
as the fount of living waters
healing complete

Rising from his mat
as we do from our knees
brought back to life
the lamb who climbed the tree


August 26, 2011
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble


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 20,940+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Alone, Needing Healing

Alone, by himself
no one with him
unable by himself
to go into the living waters

Needing help,
but no one was there
unable by himself
to enter the healing waters

Offering the gift of healing
Christ offering the way
asking if he sought it
only troubles in the way

Christ giving healing
the power of the word
making him rise from the ground
restored in him, made whole


August 26, 2011
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble

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 13,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com>Poetry Where You Live.

Getting Up

Excuses before Christ
why we don’t believe
why we don’t get up
reach for his love
not by our works
yet getting up
by faith standing
yearning,
seeking his love


August 26, 2011
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble

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 13,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com>Poetry Where You Live.

By the Father’s Authority

Not his own doing
the healings, the teachings
the miracles, the sacrifice
the coming of the son

Not by his own doing
by the Father’s authority
submitting his life to him
our lives a gift
life through the son
given by God

August 26, 2011
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble

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 13,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com>Poetry Where You Live.

Seeking Praise of Men

Seeking praise of men
standing on this spot
bound to the dust
holding onto
treasures on earth
cleaving to that which rusts


August 26, 2011
John 5:44
“How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another,
and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
“Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble

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 13,170+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com>Poetry Where You Live.

Missing God’s Praise

In seeking worldly treasure
praise here on earth
missing God’s praises
life in new birth

Longing for our credit
pride in our own hands
seeking the praise of others
standing on sinking sand


August 26, 2011
John 5:44
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble

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 13,170+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com>Poetry Where You Live.

Missing God’s Praise

In seeking worldly treasure
praise here on earth
missing God’s praises
life in new birth

Longing for our credit
pride in our own hands
seeking the praise of others
standing on sinking sand


August 26, 2011
John 5:44
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble


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 13,170+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com>Poetry Where You Live.

Do you want to be healed

The question of Jesus
to the man at the pool
to each one of us in turn
will we be like him
or will we come to the Lord

Do we seek the gift
to be healed of our past
do we recognize his voice
are we his sheep, the lamb
do we want to be healed
to we come to his voice
to we accept the gift of Jesus
paid at such a cost

August 26, 2011
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble

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 13,170+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com>Poetry Where You Live.

Ready to Change

Ready to change
to do what it takes
to be healed
made whole
changed in place

To turn from our past
drenched in the living waters
healed of all our sin
our pain, our iniquity

Letting go of our past
to live and rise again
walking ever with Jesus
our Savior, the lamb
following where he would lead us
doing all that we can


August 26, 2011
John 5:4-8
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble

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 13,170+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com>Poetry Where You Live.

wanting to be healed – v2

Seeking out Jesus
accepting the free gift
coming to the waters
wanting to live

Wanting to be healed
restored from our brokenness
wanting to be saved
to live evermore


August 26, 2011
John 5:6-8
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble


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 13,170+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com>Poetry Where You Live.

wanting to be healed

Seeking our Jesus
accepting the free gift
coming to the waters
wanting to live

Wanting to be healed
restored from our brokenness
wanting to be saved
to live evermore


August 26, 2011
John 5:6-8
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble


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 13,170+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com>Poetry Where You Live.

Wanting the healing more

Some come forward
into the stirred pool
the first to be healed
wanting the healing more

Needing to reach out
for the grace of the Lord
offering life with him
heaven as our reward

Needing to want the healing
to want the healing more


August 26, 2011
John 5:4
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble

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 13,170+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com>Poetry Where You Live.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

To the Edge of the Water

at the fount of living water
drinking of the water
offering the gift of healing
as if without asking
Christ seeing us alone,
needing healing
offering himself up
giving to us completely
from the depths of God’s love


August 25, 2011
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble


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 13,170+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com>Poetry Where You Live.

If we are humble


God
All of God’s power
grace, love, mercy, compassion
shaping us, teaching us
changing us
Transforming,
if we are humble
if we give our lives
if we seek out the potter
putting our lives in his hands




================
edited November 1, 2018
If we are humble – v2
August 23, 2011 and August 25, 2011
If we are humble
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 47,960 of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ, Faith, God, love, grace, Methodist, United Methodist, Poetry Where You Live, calling, God’s purpose, John 5, law, Spirit, disciples, hope, Christian, Raymond A. Foss, joy, Spirit,

#John5 #servant #God #Christ #purpose #love #grace #Savior #Faith #disciple #Spirit #calling #gifts

comfort in suffering

at the edge of the healing waters
yet alone, without someone
no way to be healed
maybe needing to ask
to seek out Christ
comfort in our suffering
stubborn, to a fault
needing to open up
to give to God our heart


August 23, 2011 and August 25, 2011
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble

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 13,170+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

adding water - 2

living water
the living word of God
the living, indwelled Spirit
working my shards anew
transforming bit by bit
as I do my part
giving to the Spirit
giving God my all
seeking to follow the one who came
who gave his life for all


August 24, 2011
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble

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 13,170+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

never truly hardened

my clay being worked
by the potter’s hands
never truly hardened
giving to his touch
molded in his time
slowly, bit by bit
giving over to the master
the healing of his touch


August 24, 2011
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble

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 13,170+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

my clay stiffened

over the course of my life
pulling away from God
my clay stiffened
filled with pride
my heart hardened in time
needing God’s touch
the Spirit within
to give new life to my clay
slowly changing
living water
making the way


August 24, 2011
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble

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 13,170+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Making my clay giving once more

Nothing I can truly do
needing the hand of God
making my clay giving once more
softening my hardened heart

Only God able,
to give new life
to make us pliable once more
giving to his touch


August 24, 2011
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble


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 13,170+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

to my shards of clay

Adding water
the word, God’s love
to my shards of clay
giving me new life
walking in his way
Turning myself over
holding nothing back
wanting to be transformed
to be filled, overflowing
to be poured out in love


August 24, 2011
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble

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 13,170+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

adding living water

adding living water
to the shards of my clay
transforming my life
into God’s way
His hands pulling
wooing me in love
working me ever
in his hands of love


August 24, 2011
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble

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 13,160+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

from being hardened

we must be humble
standing on Christ
putting our lives in God’s hands
turning from us
from the world
the ways of man
trusting in God
doing all we can
from being hardened
our clay yet alive
yielding to his touch
the guiding of the potter
remaining faithful
in the living waters
giving freely
all of our days
our will turned over
till our dying day


August 24, 2011
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble


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 13,160+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Keeping my clay moist

My humility
not enough
pride too much
only the living water
God’s gentle touch
the potter lovingly
keeping my clay moist
even when my heart is hardened
coaxing, wooing me to him
that I might have life
pulled ever nearer
from the darkness into the light
drawing ever closer
to my Savior, my brother, the cross


August 24, 2011
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble

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 13,150+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Animating my clay

The thickness of me
my life changing
giving to his touch
his spirit within me
animating my clay
giving me new life
healing by his sacrifice
his moving in my life


August 24, 2011
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble

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 13,160+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Making Rain

Gathering storms
making rain
focused on our passion
giving to God

Making rain
driving our hearts
wanting to share
the depths of God’s love


August 24, 2011
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble


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 13,150+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Denying the Potter

How can we believe
there is no God
denying the potter
that creation was a fluke,
a cosmic coincidence
when the universe,
the atoms, the laws
the design, the plan
is so evident, so manifest
beautiful, precise
in color and rhyme
in minute and expanse
unending yet changing
by the potter’s hand
by his loving touch
ever holding us
in his arms
wanting to be with us
giving us life


August 24, 2011
written after watching a video,
“Magnificent”
http://www.andiesisle.com/creation/magnificent.html
from Andie’s Isle
http://www.andiesisle.com/

and earlier poems:
---------------------------
The Poetry of Creation

By his hands, by the breath
the waters moving at creation
the word of God bringing
light into the darkness
the hands of the potter
knowing me, the hairs on my head
the number of my days
Plans for us, all of our lives
watched over, protected by God


February 28, 2010
Genesis 1:1-2:3
Genesis 2:4-25
Jeremiah 1:5
Jeremiah 18:1-6
Jeremiah 29:11
Matthew 10:30
and based on Google search string that got
someone in New Delhi, India to my blog
-----------------------
Praying for the Garden

Reflecting, on our place in the garden
our role in its suffering, its need for rest
spending time with the creator
each of us praying for the garden
that it would be healed

So much of our world
yearning for peace
for rest from war, oppression, abuse
stewards, not consumers
of this good, good earth

On our knees, humbly before God
asking what we can do
to bring healing to the world
Sabbath from our labors, our excesses
peace to this wonderful earth


December 29, 2009
Philippians 4:4-7
Exodus 23:10-12
Genesis 2:4b-9, 15
Part of sermon series – “sermon, “And I Will Give You Rest”, Parts 1 and 2,
drafted by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
prepared for both Boston University School of Theology coursework
and Suncook United Methodist Church
&
Philippians 4:4-7
Exodus 23:10-12
Isaiah 12:2-6 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 150, United Methodist Hymnal #862 (Responsive Prayer)
Genesis 1:26-30
Worship Theme: “Advent Conspiracy: Thou Shalt Rest”
sermon, “And I Will Give You Rest”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 13, 2009
Third Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Pastoral Letter of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church
“God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action”, at:
http://www.umc.org/atf/cf/%7BDB6A45E4-C446-4248-82C8-E131B6424741%7D/GRC_Pastoral%20Ltr.pdf
& more worship resources at:
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=48267
&
Bill McKibben,
http://www.billmckibben.com/
December 10, 2009
“The Moral Math of Climate Change”
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/
Speaking of Faith
&
http://www.350.org/
350.org
&
http://en.cop15.dk/
15th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15)

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 13,150+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Showing Us God

Everything of heaven
from the Father
the love letter, the bible
holding onto memory
the story of God’s love
in the work of the Son
the One who was to come
sent, an offering of love


August 23, 2011 and August 24, 2011
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus

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 13,150+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Listening to Jesus

The Good Shepherd
hearing his voice,
“follow me”,
he calls to us,
even if words are unclear
cleaving to his voice
the musings of God
trusting he will guide
leading us to life


August 23, 2011
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 10
The Good Shepherd
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus

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 13,150+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

The overflowing joy

The master responding
encouraging the children
those whom he taught
offering abundance
the depths of God’s love

The overflowing joy
washing over us
welling up within us
from the depths of God’s love


August 23, 2011
Philippians 1, Philippians 2
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read August 19, 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 13,150+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

The joy of life in excess

Joy overflowing
the joy of life in excess
walking with Christ
our Savior, our brother
walking with us


August 23, 2011
Philippians 1, Philippians 2
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read August 19, 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 13,150+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Claiming More than the Son

Only through God
only from the Father
the Son only able
to do, through God

We claim power
claiming more than the Son
Master of everything
when we are dust

Seeking praise
here on earth
storing treasure
that will rust

Ignoring heaven
praises above
our reward here only
when we reject his love


August 23, 2011
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 17, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus


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 13,140+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

wide-eyed

wide-eyed
we would surely be
if like them
we could but see

The Savior with us
risen, alive
walking with us
the Spirit inside


August 23, 2011
Chrysalis RUSH
August 20, 2011
&
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 13,140+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

slow-hearted

like them scared
slow-hearted
slow to see
the wonders of God
given for me
the grace of God
poured out on us
giving us love
sending his son
walking beside us
risen, alive
living within us
the Spirit as our guide


August 23, 2011
Chrysalis RUSH
August 20, 2011
&
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 13,140+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Open-eyed

My slow wits quickened
scales falling
open-eyed
feeling the power
Christ sharing
the holy word
not seeing
not believing
only revealed
when he broke the bread
Christ alive
seated with us
running to
share the news


August 23, 2011
Chrysalis RUSH
August 20, 2011
&
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 13,140+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

thick headed

Thick headed
slow hearted
what it must have been
for Christ to speak to us
to offer us love
even when we denied him
killed him
nailed him to the tree
rising, triumphant
yet we did not know him
unable to see
God walking with me


August 23, 2011
Chrysalis RUSH
August 20, 2011
&
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 13,140+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Opened the Scripture

The living risen Christ
walking with them
unknown to them
yet teaching all of us

He opened the scripture
the words of his life
foretold, fulfilled
that we may live

That we may come to know
a piece of grace
a bit of God
poured out on us

Fulfilled in Christ
in the coming of the son
walking with us
on this dusty road


August 23, 2011
Chrysalis RUSH
August 20, 2011
&
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 13,140+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

On that Easter

Walking sorrowful
Christ lost,
not in the tomb,
our Savior gone

Walking homeward
to Emmaus
lost in thought
darkness upon us

A stranger, unaware
yet knowing Christ
law, prophets, scripture
opened to us

Christ with us
breaking our bread
alive, with us

Running with joy
to tell the others
Christ is alive!


August 23, 2011
Chrysalis RUSH
August 20, 2011
&
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 13,140+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

That we may hear with joy

Lord, open our hearts
make us ready, open
that we may hear with joy
the story of our Savior
written in the scriptures
that we may be transformed
by the revelation
the seeing of God in the simple
in the bread and the wine
in the breaking and the pouring
the sharing of Christ
lifting us up
raising us from death
to walk in love


August 23, 2011
Chrysalis RUSH
August 20, 2011
&
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 13,140+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Jesus walked with them

(as a stranger)

Jesus walked with them
as a stranger
or they couldn’t see him
the master risen, beside them
on their journey
unrevealed until God’s time
the teacher still
listening, sharing scripture
revealing the story
all of the law, the prophets
his life foretold
only in the breaking of the bread
their joy made whole.


August 23, 2011
Chrysalis RUSH
August 20, 2011
&
Luke 24:25-27
Luke 24:28-31
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 13,140+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

So immersed in thought

So deep in conversation
mourning, their grieving
their joy torn apart
an ache too deep for words
the crying of their hearts
Unable to see Jesus
to recognize the Lord
the well-spring of their believing
the holy one, the Christ
Walking beside them
on the dusty road
walking with them
as they went slowly home


August 23, 2011
Chrysalis RUSH
August 20, 2011
&
Luke 24:13-16
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 13,140+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Did their walk slow

When Christ began to speak
did their walk slow
hearing the scripture opened
the story of his life
how he had to suffer, die
to rise up from the grave
what words of scripture
the prophets and the law
opening all to them
in majesty and awe


August 23, 2011
Chrysalis RUSH
August 20, 2011
&
Luke 24:25-27
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 13,140+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Becoming the Host

The guest, the stranger
becoming the host
sharing, caring
walking with us

Here at the table
the stranger, the guest
becoming the host
revealing Christ to us


August 23, 2011
Chrysalis RUSH
Communion
August 20, 2011
&
Luke 24:28-31
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 13,140+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Boldly, with Peter – v2

Read the words of the rock
speaking for all believers
gathered with Jesus
soon, before his dying
an affirmation of faith
the rock which we stand on
the core of our belief
God’s mercy and grace

Boldly, with Peter
may we ever speak
the affirmation, the faith
our belief in Jesus
“You are the Christ, the Messiah,
the Son of the living God”
who came and died
that we may have life
life immortal
because he went to the cross


August 23, 2011
Chrysalis RUSH
August 20, 2011
Matthew 16:13-17
&
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 13,140+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Boldly, with Peter – v1

Read the words of the rock
speaking for all believers
gathered with Jesus
soon, before his dying
an affirmation of faith
the rock which we stand on
the core of our belief
God’s mercy and grace

Boldly, with Peter
may we ever speak
the affirmation, the faith
our belief in Jesus
“You are the Christ, the Messiah,
the Son of the living God”
who came and died
that we may have life


August 23, 2011
Chrysalis RUSH
August 20, 2011
Matthew 16:13-17
&
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 13,140+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

None Should be Judged

Peter’s statement
revelation of God
in a vision, new sight
changing the world around

None should be judged,
separated, cast out
all to be loved
all children of God


August 21, 2011 and August 23, 2011
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?!”
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
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”
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
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!”
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 13,130+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live

Monday, August 22, 2011

So Simple, So Hard

All we add, what we take away
when we set each other apart
when we do not offer love
missing the point,
the red-letter words of Christ
letting the black and white, the human
get in the way of God

So simple, so hard
to live out our faith, our creed
to love God always
our neighbors as ourselves
forgiving as Christ did, on the cross
that none would be lost
offering love ever,
offering God ourselves


August 22, 2011
So Simple, So Hard
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?!”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“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”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
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!”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“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
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
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
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 17, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
&
Sermon series by the Reverend Adam Hamilton
 “When Christians Get It Wrong”


All of my poems and photographs are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 40,430+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

In a Spider Hole

Like others before him
trying to be the puppeteer
to command others
to live in the streets
in the grip of the chaos
in the teeth of war
to send others
into the maelstrom,
the fighting, the chaos
while hiding,
trumpeting power
yet weak, his control crumbling
the madman no martyr
a dictator soon to be forgotten
given up your delusion
and turn yourself in
while you can


August 22, 2011
on the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s
reign of terror over Libya
and capture of Saddam Hussein
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/3317881.stm
---------------------------
An Enemy Within

In the stalemate of rebellion
the unfinished sanctions
the madman remaining in power
at the cost of so much
the guns of anger
the dogs of war loosed
an enemy within
whatever the outcome

So much lost
so many martyrs
because of the desire
of the people to be free
the Madman in the bunker
the bombs falling
while the media spewed his lies
his invectives, his bile

Factions forming
before the war is over
needing greater closure
before the next toll
the cost of no conclusion
playing into the hands
of those who sow dissension.


July 30, 2011
Killing of General Abdel Fattah Younes
claimed to be by Islamic factions
but that could be more Qaddafi lies
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8673021/Islamists-blamed-for-killing-General-Abdel-Fattah-Younes-as-Libyas-rebels-face-up-to-enemy-within.html
&
earlier poems about the genocide in Libya
and hearing the rabbling of Gadhafi
http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2011/02/22/bts.gadhafi.statement.libyanstate
2/22/2011
&
on the transformations since the beginning of January -
all the protests in Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya,
Jordan, Iran, Iraq, Palestinian Territories, Djibouti, Mauritania, Senegal, etc.
and
especially the resignation of Hosni Mubarak
February 11, 2011
&
and the jubilance in Tahrir Square
versus the bloodshed in Bahrain and Libya, etc.
February 18, 2011
&
hearing claim by President Obama 2/15/2011
in a news conference that when history books tell it
we will be seen as being on the right side of history
in how the United States responded
&
Post on Twitter by Wael Ghonim
http://twitter.com/Ghonim
“Our Revolution was like Wikipedia”
http://twitter.com/Ghonim/status/37306340103688192
http://techpresident.com/blog-entry/ghonim-our-revolution-wikipedia
February 14, 2011
&
Post on Twitter by Wael Ghonim
http://twitter.com/Ghonim
“This is Revolution 2.0: No one was a hero because everyone was a hero.”
http://twitter.com/Ghonim/status/36708161440190464
February 13, 2011
and see
http://www.facebook.com/raymond.a.foss#!/notes/safiyah-fosua/a-prayer-for-the-people-of-egypt-february-3-2011/10150134548244274
A Prayer for the People of Egypt (February 3, 2011)
by Safiyah Fosua
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=719089081

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 13,130+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Sermon, "God Says What?!", by Pastor Ruth Foss, Suncook United Methodist Church, August 21, 2011

Pastor Ruth Foss
August 21, 011
Acts 10:13-15, 27-28 NRSV
James 2:8-13 Common English Bible


God Say’s What?!

As we have traveled on this road of looking at when Christians get it wrong...I mentioned of how some subjects may make u squirm a little. Well. . . I have found that subject for me. It is not so much the subject but the reaction to the subject that makes me squirm. . . it is how this subject is perceived in some Christian’s lives that make me squirm. But. . . I am called to preach the gospel of grace. . . so. . . I would like to begin my sermon with a story.

“There was a child that grew up in a Christian home. This grew up knowing God. They went to church every Sunday. . . as a matter of fact this child was the star pupil in Sunday school. They learned about God and the love He has for all of His creation. They learned the commandment to love one another as they loved themselves. Their parents were very proud of this child. They lived in a very loving home where their parents showered love abundantly on them. They were loved! This child also knew that they were different from all of their friends. They knew that they stood out from all the rest.

As the child grew, they became more and more aware of how different they were from all the rest. Then one day they realized why they were different. . . they finally figured out what made them stand out in a crowd. Now a teenager, they went to their loving parents to talk with them about their revelation in life. They knew that when they would talk with their parents they would surely be happy about their finally understanding who they were. . . understanding of how they perceived themselves different.

So, they picked a time that they knew they would have their parents’ full attention. It was a morning like all the other mornings when they all started their day with prayer and breakfast. So after the prayer, they were talking about what their days entailed. When it was their turn, they piped up with “Mom. . . Dad. . . for my whole life I realized I am different from the rest and I figured out why. . . you can just see their parents excitement, their child knows that they are different because they are Christian. . . (The child went on) I finally figured out that I am gay, that’s what makes different!”

There was a hush in the room. . . the child was waiting for the loving support that they had received all their life. . . then mom began to speak. . . ”Your what!...how can this be?! I brought you up right. . . where did I go wrong?!” The child stood confused. . . Next it was dad’s turn. . . ”You have got to be kidding! We play all kinds of sports together. . . we did all those “manly things” together! You can’t be gay. . . o son of mine is gay! You are nothing but an abomination and will burn in HELL!”

The child runs out of the room confused. . . the love and support they received all their life was not there. . . their loving parents that taught them that God loves all and we must love all of God’s creation. . . Everyone is of sacred worth. . . how can this be? The parents go to church and talk with their friends about what has happened and the church that they grew up in. . . the church that they saw Christ in the members. . . the church that was so proud of this child’s understanding of God. . . turns their backs on them. The child vows never to go back to church. . . never to be around those hypocritical Christians again. . . ”

Over the past moth we have been journeying through Adam Hamilton’s book “When Christians Get It Wrong.” We have been looking at why some young people are turned off by Christians and Christianity. The last reason that Adam Hamilton talks about is how Christians act in dealing with homosexuality. . . now I told you that some of the things would be talking about might make us a little uncomfortable, but in Radical Hospitality, there are times when we must step out of our comfort zones and look at our attitudes and actions.

I remember growing up how homosexuality was something to only be whispered about. . . something that was just swept under the carpet. But that is not still the same view in the world today from young people. They see it from a different view. . . one of acceptance and love. They may not agree with what the person is doing. . . it may not be a life style for them but they agree to disagree and get on with the friendship.

But. . . what do the scriptures say about this? Well. . . in the Old Testament. . . some perceive it as an abomination, something that God will have no part of. Some take that piece of scripture and run with it. Taking it out of context and making doctrine out of it. But what does the New Testament say? How would Jesus react to all this? What does God say? Well. . . in the reading from Acts this morning. . . Peter told God that he would not touch or go near such “profane things”. But God called Peter up short. . . He told Peter that it was not up to him to call it profane. If god says it’s good then it is good!

I would like to read a passage from James this morning. . . it is found in James 2 verses 8-13 and I’m reading from the Common English Bible this morning. . .

It’s all about love and mercy, it’s all about loving your neighbor as yourself, it’s all being non-judgmental. It’s all about everything that God has made having sacred worth. It’s all about the Radical Hospitality that Jesus showed as He was nailed to the cross. . . and kept Him there for all of creation.

Beloved. . . we don’t have to agree with person’s life style but we do, as Christians, need to see the sacred worth in all of humankind and God’s creation, we need to let the love of Christ shine through us in a world that is lost and trying to find the light of day. Jesus didn’t come to save just the right kind of people. . . Jesus came to save all kinds of people. When God created humankind, He just didn’t say it was good. . . He said it was very good. Are we to be like “old” Peter and judge what God created or do we need to be like the “new” Peter and trust in God’s decision of what is good or profane. It is our choice to make. . . which will you chose. Judge not or you shall be judge because the same measure you judge you also will be judged. Will we be judged by mercy and grace or by the world’s standard? You decide. . .

AMEN


August 21, 2011
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?!”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“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”
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!”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“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
 “When Christians Get It Wrong”


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.