Poetry Where You Live: 03/18/2012

Saturday, March 24, 2012

A splash of your blood

onto the paper, my prayer
my written promise
the gifts I had voiced aloud
what I offer You
a splash of your blood
your life, your sacrifice
on the prayer I raise
on my hope for this life
use me I pray, oh God.

March 24, 2012
NH District Training - "Going Out on the Town! Outside Church, Inside Community
http://www.neumc.org/events/detail/3485
http://www.neumc.org/console/files/oImage_Library_FQADXU/March_Training_Event_FRGXZAUD.Flier.pdf
http://www.neumc.org/console/files/oImage_Library_FQADXU/Workshop_Descriptions_QXTJVTHB.Web.pdf
Psalm 46
Psalm 46:10
verse 1, “Find the frame where we are freed”, of hymn:
“Come and Find the Quiet Center”, TFWS #2128
by Shirley E. Murray
Worship led by Rev. Jill Colley-Robinson
http://www.middleburyumc.org/RevJillRobinson.htm
Plenary Address by Dan Randall
http://new.gbgm-umc.org/work/missionaries/biographies/index.cfm?action=details&id=1230
March 24, 2012
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
www.concordwumc.org
&
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

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 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The sweet fragrance of your sacrifice

wine spilt on my cupped hands
joining the body and the blood
the wine on my lips
still gathered upon my hands
joy in my trembling path
the sweet fragrance of your sacrifice
imprinted upon my life.

March 24, 2012
NH District Training - "Going Out on the Town! Outside Church, Inside Community
http://www.neumc.org/events/detail/3485
http://www.neumc.org/console/files/oImage_Library_FQADXU/March_Training_Event_FRGXZAUD.Flier.pdf
http://www.neumc.org/console/files/oImage_Library_FQADXU/Workshop_Descriptions_QXTJVTHB.Web.pdf
Psalm 46
Psalm 46:10
verse 1, “Find the frame where we are freed”, of hymn:
“Come and Find the Quiet Center”, TFWS #2128
by Shirley E. Murray
Worship led by Rev. Jill Colley-Robinson
http://www.middleburyumc.org/RevJillRobinson.htm
Plenary Address by Dan Randall
http://new.gbgm-umc.org/work/missionaries/biographies/index.cfm?action=details&id=1230
March 24, 2012
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
www.concordwumc.org
&
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

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 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Focus within the Storm, within our Center

Peace beyond comprehension
life were storms arise
joy within my struggle
hope in that center
hearing your voice to me. Come.
Focus in the storm
within our soul, our center
life in Christ alone.

March 24, 2012
NH District Training - "Going Out on the Town! Outside Church, Inside Community
http://www.neumc.org/events/detail/3485
http://www.neumc.org/console/files/oImage_Library_FQADXU/March_Training_Event_FRGXZAUD.Flier.pdf
http://www.neumc.org/console/files/oImage_Library_FQADXU/Workshop_Descriptions_QXTJVTHB.Web.pdf
Psalm 46
Psalm 46:10
verse 1, “Find the frame where we are freed”, of hymn:
“Come and Find the Quiet Center”, TFWS #2128
by Shirley E. Murray
Worship led by Rev. Jill Colley-Robinson
http://www.middleburyumc.org/RevJillRobinson.htm
Plenary Address by Dan Randall
http://new.gbgm-umc.org/work/missionaries/biographies/index.cfm?action=details&id=1230
March 24, 2012
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
www.concordwumc.org
&
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

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 21,630+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Angry Thorns Twisted, a Crown

Angry thorns, the spikes, a crown
physical manifestation
of the hatred spewed at Christ
the princes of this earth

A branch, a vine of thorns
rough-fashioned as a false crown
thrust upon his forehead
mocking the Son of God

His blood dripping down
blinding Christ as he bled
obscuring the face of evil
in the courts of his trial

Anger of this world
hate for the light of God
the darkness of the world
of those holding onto power

Their words, these thorns
exacting their cruel revenge
crowning our King of Glory
in mocking ridicule

March 23, 2012
re-edited, inspired by poems
poem, “The Anger of the Thorns – v2”,
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/03/anger-of-thorns-v2.html
and “The Anger of the Thorns”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/03/anger-of-thorns.html
adapted from the poems:
“With our spit on Christ’s face – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/03/with-our-spit-on-christs-face-v3.html
version 2 was included in my sermon,
“Love like you’ll never be hurt”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/03/sermon-love-like-youll-never-be-hurt.html
March 21, 2012
&
March 7, 2012
Chapter 2
“Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise”
Luke 23:43
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (KJV)
Luke 23:32, 39-43
Final Words from the Cross
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426746802
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/bookstore.aspx?contributorid=3827
http://www.facebook.com/RevAdamHamilton
https://twitter.com/#!/RevAdamHamilton
read March 4, 2012
&
video 3/4/2012
Introduction and Chapter 1,
“Father Forgive them”
Luke 23:34
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (KJV)
Final Words from the Cross
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426746802
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/bookstore.aspx?contributorid=3827
http://www.facebook.com/RevAdamHamilton
https://twitter.com/#!/RevAdamHamilton
read February 25, 2012
and read February 26, 2012

Friday, March 23, 2012

The Anger of the Thorns – v2

A vine of another sort
the anger of the thorns
a crown crushed upon his head
his blood pouring down
obscuring his vision as he bled
nailed to our rugged cross

Anger of the world
of those holding onto power
new hope in the world
thorns exacting revenge
crowning our King of Glory
in mocking ridicule

March 23, 2012
“With our spit on Christ’s face – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/03/with-our-spit-on-christs-face-v3.html
version 2 was included in my sermon,
“Love like you’ll never be hurt”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/03/sermon-love-like-youll-never-be-hurt.html
March 21, 2012
&
March 7, 2012
Chapter 2
“Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise”
Luke 23:43
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (KJV)
Luke 23:32, 39-43
Final Words from the Cross
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426746802
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/bookstore.aspx?contributorid=3827
http://www.facebook.com/RevAdamHamilton
https://twitter.com/#!/RevAdamHamilton
read March 4, 2012
&
video 3/4/2012
Introduction and Chapter 1,
“Father Forgive them”
Luke 23:34
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (KJV)
Final Words from the Cross
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426746802
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/bookstore.aspx?contributorid=3827
http://www.facebook.com/RevAdamHamilton
https://twitter.com/#!/RevAdamHamilton
read February 25, 2012
and read February 26, 2012

With my spit drying on Christ’s face – v2

With his blood, still wet
mixing with his tears
the anger of the thorns
the dust of the road
to Golgotha, the skull
with my spit drying on his face
hearing his words, his prayer
lifted unto God

What were these words
this prayer breathed out
Christ in his suffering
crying out to God
to forgive all of us
even as we scourged him
as the nails were hammered in
to his hands and his feet

There on the cross, solid, unmoving
breathing out a prayer, a murmur
an eternal whisper, spirit,
lifting his prayer, to almighty God
that He would forgive us
for all that we did, all we say
there on Calvary’s hill, the cross
as the world entered into darkness

The crown of thorns we fashioned
the coil tightly round his head
held by the spikes, the thorns
by our turning from our God
our sins the nails that put him
that held him there
being crucified, agony
there upon that rugged cross

Hearing first-hand the prayer of Christ
begging to God for mercy on me, on me
through the pain, gasping for air, for God
his prayer moaned out aloud, echoing
Breathing for forgiveness, falling down, rising
for them, for each one of us, for we are there
that God would forgive us, all of us
those persecuting the Christ

His prayer moaned out, urgent
a whisper, a murmur
calling out a petition, interceding
for forgiveness, for healing
for all of humanity
for me on that cross
speaking right through me
unto almighty God

further edited March 23, 2012
edited March 22, 2012
“With our spit on Christ’s face – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/03/with-our-spit-on-christs-face-v3.html
version 2 was included in my sermon,
“Love like you’ll never be hurt”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/03/sermon-love-like-youll-never-be-hurt.html
March 21, 2012
&
March 7, 2012
Chapter 2
“Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise”
Luke 23:43
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (KJV)
Luke 23:32, 39-43
Final Words from the Cross
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426746802
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/bookstore.aspx?contributorid=3827
http://www.facebook.com/RevAdamHamilton
https://twitter.com/#!/RevAdamHamilton
read March 4, 2012
&
video 3/4/2012
Introduction and Chapter 1,
“Father Forgive them”
Luke 23:34
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (KJV)
Final Words from the Cross
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426746802
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/bookstore.aspx?contributorid=3827
http://www.facebook.com/RevAdamHamilton
https://twitter.com/#!/RevAdamHamilton
read February 25, 2012
and read February 26, 2012

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 21,630+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Out of Our Fears, Out of Our Hopes – v2

When Election Day comes, this November,
we are asked a different question, this year
will we choose to continue, what we have begun
given anew, again, a chance to decide
to choose our leaders, an opportunity to give voice again
to our aspirations, our dreams, our true wishes for our nation

We can choose, to fall from grace, to strike out in hate
to vote out of our fears, disquiet in our spirits
or to vote out of our hopes, to don that mantle of America
that trust in God, our fellow man, to believe again
for our children, and for their children

I choose again to hope, to believe, to dream
to stand resolute, not to give into my fears
my future dreams, over my current doubts
my love for my neighbor, over my hate of the stranger
my similarities with my brother, not differences of station
my longing for a better world, not walls around my nation

I am standing with President Obama

revised March 20, 2012
“Out of Our Fears, Out of Our Hopes”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/11/out-of-our-fears-our-of-our-hopes.html
November 3, 2008
and the response I received from posting this poem:
“Power of Witness”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2009/01/power-of-witness.html
January 19, 2009

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 21,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

seed of the Word, seeds of our fruits

The cycle of creation, the spreading new life
the seeds, the soils, the gifts unto God
seed of God’s Word, planting in our fertile soil
nurtured within us, the soil of believer’s hearts.
Bearing fruit in time, fruit with new seeds,
gifts to be shared, given
planted gifts richly, sowing our seeds
in other fertile soil, that more will believe!

March 23, 2012
John 12:20-26
“A Grain of Wheat Must Die” (The Message)
“Jesus Predicts His Death” (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 19, 2012 to March 25, 2012,
“A New Covenant and a New Heart”
by John M. Drescher
scripture and meditation for March 23, 2012
read March 23, 2012

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 21,760+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Anger of the Thorns

A vine of another sort
the anger of the thorns
the crown upon his head
his blood pouring down
obscuring his vision as he bled
nailed to the rugged cross

Anger of the world
of those holding onto power
new hope in the world
the thorns exacting revenge
crowning the King of Glory
in mocking ridicule

March 23, 2012
“With our spit on Christ’s face – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/03/with-our-spit-on-christs-face-v3.html
version 2 was included in my sermon,
“Love like you’ll never be hurt”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/03/sermon-love-like-youll-never-be-hurt.html
March 21, 2012
&
March 7, 2012
Chapter 2
“Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise”
Luke 23:43
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (KJV)
Luke 23:32, 39-43
Final Words from the Cross
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426746802
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/bookstore.aspx?contributorid=3827
http://www.facebook.com/RevAdamHamilton
https://twitter.com/#!/RevAdamHamilton
read March 4, 2012
&
video 3/4/2012
Introduction and Chapter 1,
“Father Forgive them”
Luke 23:34
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (KJV)
Final Words from the Cross
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426746802
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/bookstore.aspx?contributorid=3827
http://www.facebook.com/RevAdamHamilton
https://twitter.com/#!/RevAdamHamilton
read February 25, 2012
and read February 26, 2012

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 21,630+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

With my spit drying on Christ’s face

With his blood, the anger of the thorns
the dust of the road
to Golgotha, the skull
with my spit drying on his face
hearing his words, his prayer
lifted unto God

What were these words
this prayer breathed out
Christ in his suffering
crying out to God
to forgive all of us
even as we scourged him
as the nails were hammered in
to his hands and his feet

There on the cross, solid, unmoving
breathing out a prayer, an eternal whisper
lifting his prayer, to almighty God
that He would forgive us
for all that we did
there on Calvary’s hill
as the world entered into darkness

The crown of thorns we fashioned
the coil tightly round his head
by our turning from our God
our sins the nails that put him
that held him there
upon that rugged cross

Hearing first-hand the prayer of Christ
begging to God for mercy on me
through the pain, gasping
his prayer moaned out aloud
Breathing for forgiveness
for them, for each one of us
that God would forgive us
those persecuting the Christ

His prayer moaned out
a whisper, a murmur
calling out a petition
for forgiveness, for healing
for all of humanity
for me on that cross

edited March 22, 2012
“With our spit on Christ’s face – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/03/with-our-spit-on-christs-face-v3.html
version 2 was included in my sermon,
“Love like you’ll never be hurt”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/03/sermon-love-like-youll-never-be-hurt.html
March 21, 2012
&
March 7, 2012
Chapter 2
“Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise”
Luke 23:43
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (KJV)
Luke 23:32, 39-43
Final Words from the Cross
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426746802
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/bookstore.aspx?contributorid=3827
http://www.facebook.com/RevAdamHamilton
https://twitter.com/#!/RevAdamHamilton
read March 4, 2012
&
video 3/4/2012
Introduction and Chapter 1,
“Father Forgive them”
Luke 23:34
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (KJV)
Final Words from the Cross
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426746802
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/bookstore.aspx?contributorid=3827
http://www.facebook.com/RevAdamHamilton
https://twitter.com/#!/RevAdamHamilton
read February 25, 2012
and read February 26, 2012

With our spit on Christ’s face – v3

Facing my Savior,
while both of us are dying
beside him on my own cross
seeing my spit upon him
his blood pouring down

The crown of thorns we fashioned
by our turning from our God
our sins the nails that put him
up on that rugged cross

Hearing first-hand the prayer of Christ
begging to God for mercy on me
through the pain, excursion
his prayer moaned out aloud

Breathing for forgiveness
for them, for each one of us
that God would forgive us
those persecuting the Christ

His blood, his life, . . . our sacrifice
pouring out of Him
with my spit still upon him
my curse, my derision, my ridicule

His prayer moaned out
a whisper, a murmur
calling out a petition
for forgiveness, for healing
for me on that cross

edited March 22, 2012
version 2 was included in my sermon,
“Love like you’ll never be hurt”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/03/sermon-love-like-youll-never-be-hurt.html
March 21, 2012
&
March 7, 2012
Chapter 2
“Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise”
Luke 23:43
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (KJV)
Luke 23:32, 39-43
Final Words from the Cross
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426746802
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/bookstore.aspx?contributorid=3827
http://www.facebook.com/RevAdamHamilton
https://twitter.com/#!/RevAdamHamilton
read March 4, 2012
&
video 3/4/2012
Introduction and Chapter 1,
“Father Forgive them”
Luke 23:34
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (KJV)
Final Words from the Cross
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426746802
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/bookstore.aspx?contributorid=3827
http://www.facebook.com/RevAdamHamilton
https://twitter.com/#!/RevAdamHamilton
read February 25, 2012
and read February 26, 2012

We cannot earn forgiveness

just as we cannot buy love
so sure of our failings
we know we are fallen
our sin ever our witness
conviction our living
we cannot earn forgiveness
whatever we wish
failing to follow
rebelling against you
needing your grace
to live within you
the cost of your love.

March 22, 2012
John 3:16
John 3:14-21 (NRSV)
Ephesians 2:4-10 (NRSV)
2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (NRSV)
Worship Theme: Amazing Grace!
Call to Worship (Psalm 107:1-3) (NRSV)
Unison Prayer (Lectionary Worship Aides © 2002)
Prayer of Dedication (John 3:14-21 GBOD 2012)
Special Music: “Hymn of Promise”, UMH #707 (Choir/Sacred Dancers)
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Hymn: “This Is a Day of New Beginnings”, UMH #383 (Revelations 21:5)
and Message for Children
and sermon, “What It Takes To Be Saved”
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
Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 18, 2012

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 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

We deserve death

We have earned death
estranged forever from God
the pit, Hell, no future, no hope
we deserve death
no forgiveness, redemption
among the lost, all humanity

We cannot buy love
God’s forgiveness beyond our reach
cast out of the kingdom
condemned by the law

Only through Christ’s mercy
his life on the cross
forgiven, rising
we praise your name

March 22, 2012
John 3:16
John 3:14-21 (NRSV)
Ephesians 2:4-10 (NRSV)
2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (NRSV)
Worship Theme: Amazing Grace!
Call to Worship (Psalm 107:1-3) (NRSV)
Unison Prayer (Lectionary Worship Aides © 2002)
Prayer of Dedication (John 3:14-21 GBOD 2012)
Special Music: “Hymn of Promise”, UMH #707 (Choir/Sacred Dancers)
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Hymn: “This Is a Day of New Beginnings”, UMH #383 (Revelations 21:5)
and Message for Children
and sermon, “What It Takes To Be Saved”
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
Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 18, 2012

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 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Use us

Lord, use us
we are here on the earth
for your holy purpose
for you alone

Use us, Lord
to show your love
offering your message
bearing your light

March 22, 2012
John 3:16
John 3:14-21 (NRSV)
Ephesians 2:4-10 (NRSV)
2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (NRSV)
Worship Theme: Amazing Grace!
Call to Worship (Psalm 107:1-3) (NRSV)
Unison Prayer (Lectionary Worship Aides © 2002)
Prayer of Dedication (John 3:14-21 GBOD 2012)
Special Music: “Hymn of Promise”, UMH #707 (Choir/Sacred Dancers)
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Hymn: “This Is a Day of New Beginnings”, UMH #383 (Revelations 21:5)
and Message for Children
and sermon, “What It Takes To Be Saved”
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
Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 18, 2012

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 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The promise of eternal life with you

By the power of your gift
by God’s amazing grace
redeeming us from death
Christ’s life and resurrection
giving each of us new life
and more yet
the promise of eternal life
a life spent with you.

March 22, 2012
John 3:16
John 3:14-21 (NRSV)
Ephesians 2:4-10 (NRSV)
2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (NRSV)
Worship Theme: Amazing Grace!
Call to Worship (Psalm 107:1-3) (NRSV)
Unison Prayer (Lectionary Worship Aides © 2002)
Prayer of Dedication (John 3:14-21 GBOD 2012)
Special Music: “Hymn of Promise”, UMH #707 (Choir/Sacred Dancers)
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Hymn: “This Is a Day of New Beginnings”, UMH #383 (Revelations 21:5)
and Message for Children
and sermon, “What It Takes To Be Saved”
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
Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 18, 2012

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 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

We are God’s workmanship

Not self-made creations
springing to life
molded by the creator
born of the clay, the dust

We are God’s workmanship
born to new life
by grace, a gift
given a second chance

Broken and cracked
within the potter’s hands
the living word, the waters
reformed on the wheel

Humble earthen vessels
as was our Master, the Christ
filled by the holy blessing
good works by our lives

We too are given work to do
to share God’s holy world
prepared in advance for us
the foreman followed through

March 22, 2012
Ephesians 2:10
Ephesians 2:8-10
Ephesians 2:1-10
Made Alive in Christ
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 12, 2012 to March 18, 2012,
“Are We There Yet?”
by Bill Dockery
scripture and meditation for March 17, 2012
read March 17, 2012
&
Ephesians 2:1-7
Ephesians 2:1-10
Made Alive in Christ
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 12, 2012 to March 18, 2012,
“Are We There Yet?”
by Bill Dockery
scripture and meditation for March 16, 2012
read March 16, 2012
&
Ephesians 1, Ephesians 2, Ephesians 3
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read August 16, 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 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Being Saved is a Gift of God

We think we must earn everything
a price on all we do
how we relate to the world
as if stones on a scale
something to balance
more good than bad
yet we don’t understand
that is not part of God’s plan

Being saved is a gift of God
not price to me and you
how God relates to the world
as if created from air
all mercy, compassion
we must just believe
part of God’s plan
a gift for you and me

March 22, 2012
Ephesians 2:10
Ephesians 2:8-10
Ephesians 2:1-10
Made Alive in Christ
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 12, 2012 to March 18, 2012,
“Are We There Yet?”
by Bill Dockery
scripture and meditation for March 17, 2012
read March 17, 2012
&
Ephesians 2:1-7
Ephesians 2:1-10
Made Alive in Christ
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 12, 2012 to March 18, 2012,
“Are We There Yet?”
by Bill Dockery
scripture and meditation for March 16, 2012
read March 16, 2012
&
Ephesians 1, Ephesians 2, Ephesians 3
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read August 16, 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 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Not from yourselves

None of what is important
our life, immortal
eternal salvation
not from yourselves
nothing further from the truth
a gift of God alone
our life in the Savior
our hope in God alone

March 22, 2012
Ephesians 2:8
Ephesians 2:10
Ephesians 2:8-10
Ephesians 2:1-10
Made Alive in Christ
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 12, 2012 to March 18, 2012,
“Are We There Yet?”
by Bill Dockery
scripture and meditation for March 17, 2012
read March 17, 2012
&
Ephesians 2:1-7
Ephesians 2:1-10
Made Alive in Christ
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 12, 2012 to March 18, 2012,
“Are We There Yet?”
by Bill Dockery
scripture and meditation for March 16, 2012
read March 16, 2012
&
Ephesians 1, Ephesians 2, Ephesians 3
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read August 16, 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 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

through faith - 2

not something we can see
not through our hands, our work
nothing else but God
saved by the hands of grace
through faith, as with Abram
counted among the holy
redeemed by the gift of God
the sacrifice of the Lamb
humble, in the journey
walking with feet of faith
seeing with eyes that which cannot be seen
feeling your touch on our face

March 22, 2012
Ephesians 2:9
Ephesians 2:10
Ephesians 2:8-10
Ephesians 2:1-10
Made Alive in Christ
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 12, 2012 to March 18, 2012,
“Are We There Yet?”
by Bill Dockery
scripture and meditation for March 17, 2012
read March 17, 2012
&
Ephesians 2:1-7
Ephesians 2:1-10
Made Alive in Christ
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 12, 2012 to March 18, 2012,
“Are We There Yet?”
by Bill Dockery
scripture and meditation for March 16, 2012
read March 16, 2012
&
Ephesians 1, Ephesians 2, Ephesians 3
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read August 16, 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 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Created in Christ Jesus - 2

Reborn in our Savior
not stand-alone beings
married with the bridegroom
stones of his temple

We are handiwork of God
vessels of the potter
created in Christ Jesus
alive in him alone

March 22, 2012
Ephesians 2:10
Ephesians 2:8-10
Ephesians 2:1-10
Made Alive in Christ
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 12, 2012 to March 18, 2012,
“Are We There Yet?”
by Bill Dockery
scripture and meditation for March 17, 2012
read March 17, 2012
&
Ephesians 2:1-7
Ephesians 2:1-10
Made Alive in Christ
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 12, 2012 to March 18, 2012,
“Are We There Yet?”
by Bill Dockery
scripture and meditation for March 16, 2012
read March 16, 2012
&
Ephesians 1, Ephesians 2, Ephesians 3
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read August 16, 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 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

with infinite compassion

having breathed the dust
the walk of this life
our God fully human
sharing this journey of faith
Life in his sacrifice
with infinite compassion for us
understanding full well
the temptations of this earth

March 22, 2012
Hebrews 5:5-10
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 19, 2012 to March 25, 2012,
“A New Covenant and a New Heart”
by John M. Drescher
scripture and meditation for March 22, 2012
read March 22, 2012

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 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Full of Humanity

Our Savior, our king
full of humanity
all that we experience
slowed to the walk of earth

The divine made humble
slowed to the walk of earth
giving God a new perspective
on the ways of this life

Understanding what we face
the difficulty of life
the struggles we go through
God has walked this path

March 22, 2012
Hebrews 5:5-10
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 19, 2012 to March 25, 2012,
“A New Covenant and a New Heart”
by John M. Drescher
scripture and meditation for March 22, 2012
read March 22, 2012

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 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ is divinely appointed

Just as Aaron in the Exodus
the flight out of Egypt
given charge of the temple
of the tabernacle in the desert
Christ made a high priest
divinely appointed by God
given power in his humanity
to preach the Word of God

March 22, 2012
Hebrews 5:5-10
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 19, 2012 to March 25, 2012,
“A New Covenant and a New Heart”
by John M. Drescher
scripture and meditation for March 22, 2012
read March 22, 2012

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,710+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Fulfilling Prophecy

Christ, by his life
fulfilling prophecy
all the Messiah would be
all that God meant to be
The steps of his life
his purpose in life
all that we need is him
our new life in him
Christ fulfilling prophecy
giving us liberty

March 22, 2012
Hebrews 5:5-10
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 19, 2012 to March 25, 2012,
“A New Covenant and a New Heart”
by John M. Drescher
scripture and meditation for March 22, 2012
read March 22, 2012

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,710+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Sermon - What It Takes To Be Saved, by Pastor Ruth Foss, Suncook United Methodist Church, March 18, 2012

March 18, 2012
Fourth Sunday of Lent
Worship Theme: Amazing Grace!
Psalm 107:1-3
2 Chronicles 36:22-23
Ephesians 2:4-10
John 3:14-21
(All Scripture is from the NRSV Bible)

“What It Takes To Be Saved”

The Lord be with you
And also with you
Let us pray. . .

Eternal God, giver of sight to the blind, we thank you for Your ancient words that have stood the test of time. We thank you that You give us a guide for our lives, a road map on this journey of faith and trust. Open Your scriptures to us so that we may understand eternal things. Help us to see the places where we are blind and illuminate our path so that we may follow Your will for our lives. Dispel the darkness around us so that we may see the light of Your truth. Speak Lord; Your children are listening. . .

What it takes to be saved. . . this statement makes me think about a time when I was about 10 or 11. I grew up across the street from a YWCA and they had an indoor pool. My brother and I used to go there a lot. It was great having this pool right across the street and you would think that I would have been like a Mark Spits swimmer by the age of 10 but I wasn’t. Water always sort of frightened me. I liked the fact of having the feel of the bottom on my feet.

One day while my brother and I were at the pool he thought it would be fun if he threw me into the “deep end”. Well it wasn’t too much fun for me. . . remember, I couldn’t swim. I remember somersaulting down towards the bottom thinking to myself “what am I going to do, I can’t swim?” The next thing I remember is the life-guard pulling me up to the top. I was so happy that he was there, close enough to grab me as I sunk to the bottom. He took his job seriously and made sure all the people that swam in this pool would be saved. If that life-guard wasn’t there. . . I don’t know what would have happened. I am so thankful that he saved me.

Our God too is in the practice of saving people and He too takes “His job”. . . no His desire seriously. God has always wanted to protect His creation called humanity. We hear about it throughout the bible. Stories about God coming to the rescue are read throughout the Old and New Testaments.

For instances. . . in the 2 Chronicles Scripture from this morning , we hear about how the God of compassion saved His people through King Cyrus from their bondage. It was the Lord who stirred Cyrus’s spirit to let His people go. King Cyrus even was charged to build Him a house in Jerusalem for God’s people to “go up” to. God uses many amazing ways to show His compassion. He even uses you and me to show His love. . . to share His hope and to live by His peace. What amazing grace He has shown. . . what amazing grace we should share with one another. . .

Another such instance is in the letter to the Ephesians which part of that letter we heard read this morning. God’s grace is something that we can’t earn. It is freely given to you and to me. No amount of work. . . no amount of good deeds can be paid to receive this gift of love. The only thing that is our part in this wonderful equation is we have to have faith. God does the rest. Through this love and compassion. . . through this gift, our hearts are stirred, like Cyrus’s heart, to do the work we are called to do for the kingdom. It is not by our agenda but by God’s agenda that we do things. . . He even uses you and me, through this gift, to share this grace with others. . . this undeserved, unmerited, mind-boggling, amazing grace. What amazing grace He has shown. . . what amazing grace we should share with one another. . .

But the most amazing part of this gift is that while we wereand still are sinners, God gives this miraculous gift. How do we know this? Well. . . let’s read John chapter 3 verses 24-21 to find our proof of this claim. Remember. . . God’s word is true and it is the same yesterday as it is today and will be tomorrow. . . It can be found on page 968 in the pew bible this morning. . .

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. . . that’s inclusive, that’s staggering, that’s wondrous love. . . a dark world saved by 1 cross and 3 nails. . . forgiven and redeemed.

This is God’s work of reconciling us to Him. . . reconciling all of humanity. But how do we honor this gift? We are given this gift from God even though we are sinners but do we share this gift of amazing grace with those around us? Do we decide or does God decide what we want is more important that what God calls us to be? Do we do things in the name of God and the church that really is not what God would want, how Christ would have us be? Do we, as Christians, do things that are more on the dark side of life as an alternative to what is done in the light? When our “deeds” are seen will it clearly seen they are from God or our own egos and self-empowerment?

Church. . . beloved Children of God. . . we, as the church of God. . . as Christians really need to get this one right. We need to show the world around us the light of Christ. We need to be that reflection of Christ in the mirror of the world. We need to show a better way of life. . . a better way of being in relationship with others. . . We...you and I. . . need to search our hearts. We need to look deep down at why we do what we do. We need to be sure that what we do. . . our deeds. . . when seen in the light shine like the noon day sun. . . kind of like when light shines off of a diamond. The light reflects radiantly and gives a most beautiful display of colors and hues. . . we too will shine with the colors and hues of God’s amazing grace.

As I have said many time on this journey to the cross we are taking. . . this is a time of reflection and a time of change. . . this is a time that we can draw closer to God and the grace of the cross. We have a God of new beginnings. As our God’s mercies are new each day, let us begin a new today as we come nearer to our destination. . . the cross of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ.

AMEN!

March 22, 2012
John 3:16
John 3:14-21 (NRSV)
Ephesians 2:4-10 (NRSV)
2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (NRSV)
Worship Theme: Amazing Grace!
Call to Worship (Psalm 107:1-3) (NRSV)
Unison Prayer (Lectionary Worship Aides © 2002)
Prayer of Dedication (John 3:14-21 GBOD 2012)
Special Music: “Hymn of Promise”, UMH #707 (Choir/Sacred Dancers)
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Hymn: “This Is a Day of New Beginnings”, UMH #383 (Revelations 21:5)
and Message for Children
and sermon, “What It Takes To Be Saved”
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
Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 18, 2012

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 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Come with boldness to the throne of grace

Come with boldness
to the throne of grace
because Christ understands
he has walked the earth

He has gone before us
tempted as we are
humble in his walk
suffering, dying
that we may be reborn

Rising to Glory
on Easter morn
the source of salvation
to all who will follow
his example, his path
from this darkness
guided by his light

March 22, 2012
Hebrews 5:5-10
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 19, 2012 to March 25, 2012,
“A New Covenant and a New Heart”
by John M. Drescher
scripture and meditation for March 22, 2012
read March 22, 2012

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 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

That which Robs Joy

Sin that I hold onto
not turning from my transgressions
aware of my guilt
yet not turning from the path

That which robs joy
separating me from God
not being truly repentant
failing to follow God

March 22, 2012
Psalm 51:1-12
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 19, 2012 to March 25, 2012,
“A New Covenant and a New Heart”
by John M. Drescher
scripture and meditation for March 21, 2012
read March 22, 2012
&
Psalm 51:1-5
Psalm 51:1-12
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 19, 2012 to March 25, 2012,
“A New Covenant and a New Heart”
by John M. Drescher
scripture and meditation for March 20, 2012
read March 22, 2012

We must turn from sin

healing not in awareness
in confessing our sin
asking to be forgiven
at the judgment seat
only in stopping
we must turn from our sin
only by repenting
can new life begin

March 22, 2012
Psalm 51:1-12
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 19, 2012 to March 25, 2012,
“A New Covenant and a New Heart”
by John M. Drescher
scripture and meditation for March 21, 2012
read March 22, 2012
&
Psalm 51:1-5
Psalm 51:1-12
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 19, 2012 to March 25, 2012,
“A New Covenant and a New Heart”
by John M. Drescher
scripture and meditation for March 20, 2012
read March 22, 2012

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 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Begin by asking for mercy

Come those with a heavy heart
convicted of your sin
contrite before the Lord,
confess what you have done
repenting of your sin
that we would sin no more

Begin by asking for mercy
humble, as a servant
come to the Lord believing he will
that God will forgive our sin
cleansing us in refiner’s fire
to begin life anew
a new life born in you

March 22, 2012
Psalm 51:1-5
Psalm 51:1-12
1 John 1:9
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 19, 2012 to March 25, 2012,
“A New Covenant and a New Heart”
by John M. Drescher
scripture and meditation for March 20, 2012
read March 22, 2012

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 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

to know again the joy of salvation

to know again, within me
the joy of your salvation
forgive me, Lord,
blot our my crime, my transgressions
forgive me now, I want to live
to know again the joy of salvation
your holy will, purpose for my days

give me another chance,
let me live again
Lord unto you, I offer my life
remold me, make me
craft me to your will
exalted or humble
I give you control

March 22, 2012
Psalm 51:1-5
Psalm 51:1-12
1 John 1:9
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 19, 2012 to March 25, 2012,
“A New Covenant and a New Heart”
by John M. Drescher
scripture and meditation for March 20, 2012
read March 22, 2012

the desire to do God’s will

a yearning deep within
your words upon my heart
a desire to do God’s will
guide me, oh Lord;
show me how to serve
lead me where to go
direct me in your way
teach me, I pray.

March 22, 2012
Jeremiah 31:31-34 (The Message)
Jeremiah 31:31-34 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 19, 2012 to March 25, 2012,
“A New Covenant and a New Heart”
by John M. Drescher
scripture and meditation for March 19, 2012
read March 20, 2012
and reread March 22, 2012

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 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

For it is by grace you have been saved

By God’s hand, his sacrifice
by the choice of God alone
reaching down, from above
mercy to save our lives
by grace we are saved, alone
all our lives an indictment
marks written in the ledger
nothing we could have done
to avoid the judgment, trial
Only Christ’s sacrifice
God’s decision to step in
only by grace we are made whole
saved from our sinful nature

March 18, 2012
Ephesians 2:8
Ephesians 2:8-10
Ephesians 2:1-10
Made Alive in Christ
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 12, 2012 to March 18, 2012,
“Are We There Yet?”
by Bill Dockery
scripture and meditation for March 17, 2012
read March 17, 2012
&
Ephesians 2:1-7
Ephesians 2:1-10
Made Alive in Christ
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
March 12, 2012 to March 18, 2012,
“Are We There Yet?”
by Bill Dockery
scripture and meditation for March 16, 2012
read March 16, 2012
&
Ephesians 1, Ephesians 2, Ephesians 3
90 day New Testament Bible Study
read August 16, 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 21,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

No strength, weakness

Christ’s healing sacrifice
dying while we sin
powerless to help ourselves
not strength to save our lives
weakness of the flesh
powerless in our path
as children, without control
hope in Him alone

March 21, 2012
Romans 5:6-8
Romans 5:6-11
Genesis 3 (Fall of Man)
Genesis 4 (Cain and Abel)
Psalm 51:6 (born sinful)
bible study with Jean Anocibar on March 20, 2012
John 18:1-11
Jesus Arrested
John 6:39
Philippians 2:5-11
Philippians 2:9-11
Genesis 17:1-3
John 18:12-14
Jesus taken to Annas
John 18-15-18
Peter’s First Denial
Ephesians 5:1-2
Romans 7:19
Romans 6:1-7
Romans 6:1-14

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Sermon - Love like you'll never be hurt, Suncook United Methodist Church, March 21, 2012

Sermon notes – 3/21/2012

Love like you’ll never be hurt

The expression goes, “Love like you’ll never be hurt”. Sometimes it is said, Love like you’ve never been hurt; but either way, It is a hard lesson, a lesson though which is routed in scripture, in the words that Christ spoke in the upper room to the disciples before he gave his life, before he chose to be captured in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Christ is calling us to love, to care for, to pray over those we love and for those we find it hard to love, to love them no matter what, no matter who, even if they’re sort of a bumpy bead themselves. We are even to love our enemies.

In Luke 6:27-36, Christ says to . . . “love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who hurt you . . . and you will be children of the Most High . . .”

In John 13:34-35, Christ says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” This was a new command, because the old was to “love your neighbor as yourself”. Jesus was raising the bar, saying that righteous living meant we had to love as He did, not just a better version of how We would love.

We don’t get to choose who is in our lives, not really, yet we choose each day how we relate to them, to whoever comes into our lives.

The images here are of Erica, Shyanne, and Shanequa, and Fiona.

They are my girls, though none of them are mine by blood. I know many people are surprised when I say they aren’t my children by birth. I guess they are my children by choice, as they were part of the package deal, so to speak, when I fell in love with Ruth. And in many ways, over the last 7+ years, that distinction has faded. And, yes, it is true, that Erica is my mother’s “Mother’s revenge child”. She has many of the characteristics that drove my mom crazy. But I love them all.

Today’s bead is the red bead, People to Love. We are to pray for those you love, for those you have trouble loving. It fits right in with that new commandment Christ gave us in the upper room.

A few years ago, I was to give the 8am sermon at Wesley UMC in Concord. It was on the Good Samaritan story. It is found in Luke 10:25-37. The most relevant piece is the conclusion:

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”’

Remember that the Samaritans were hated by the Jews, associating with them made you unclean, and touching someone near death too made you unclean and unable to go into worship.

I wanted to get a little radical, so I included a picture of Al Qaeda fighters and Taliban members, even a few pictures of Osama bin Laden as bulletin inserts.

I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised that many of those sheets of paper were left on the table with the bulletins or left in the pews at the end of the service.

It is a hard lesson, but I think that is what Christ is talking about. He was not just using the old ancient formulas, he was talking about a new way of living, a way of following his example.

After all, he prayed to God to forgive us, on the cross, even as the spit of the Romans and the Jewish leaders was drying on his face, along with his own blood, hanging on the Cross.

In Luke 23:34, Christ said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Wow. The Savior loved us that much. That is what he means to love as he did. Everyone, even those who we don’t like, who are hard to love, even those who persecute us, who want us dead.

I am also part of the Spirit Study here every Sunday night. We are studying Rev. Adam Hamilton’s book, Final Words on the Cross, based on the 7 Words, or statements of Jesus. The first one was the prayer above. The second chapter was the promise to the good thief to see him in paradise. I combined the two in this poem, in closing, that speaks of the great love Christ showed for us, and how we are to love. It’s name is “With our spit on Christ’s Face – v2”

Facing my Savior,
both of us dying
beside him on the cross
seeing my spit upon him
his blood pouring down

The crown of thorns we fashioned
by our turning from God
our sin the nails that put him
up on the rugged cross

Hearing first-hand the prayer of Christ
begging to God for mercy on me
through the pain, excursion
his prayer moaned out

Breathing for forgiveness
for them, for all of us
that God would forgive us
those persecuting the Christ

His blood, his life, our sacrifice
pouring out of Him
with my spit still upon him
my curse, my derision, my ridicule

His prayer moaned out
a whisper, a murmur
calling out a petition
for forgiveness, for healing
for me on the cross

May we each seek to love this way, even praying for one enemies, trying to live our Christ’s example.

Amen.

March 21, 2012
John 13:34-35
Luke 6:27-36
Luke 10:25-37
Luke 23:34
Wednesday evening worship
Sixth of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Sixth Sunday: Red Bead: People to Love
and meditation
by Ray Foss, pinch-hitting for

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
March 21, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Sixth of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Sixth Sunday: Green Bead: Your Special Concern
and meditation

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
March 14, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Fifth of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Fifth Sunday: Clear and Black Bead: Night and Day
Genesis 1
Psalm 139:11-12
Daniel 2:22
and meditation
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Fourth of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Fourth Sunday: Stepping Stone Bead: Journey of Faith
and meditation
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 15, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Third of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Third Sunday: Bead with a Hole: Silence
and meditation
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 8, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Second of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Second Sunday: Bumpy Bead: Letting Go
1 John 4:7-21
and meditation
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 25, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
start of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
First Sunday: Big Gold Bead: God
Psalm 105:1-6
Isaiah 56:1-8
Acts 17:22-32
poem, “Pied Beauty”,
by Gerard Manley Hopkins
and meditation
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 11, 2012

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.

Dying for us while we are incompetent

The words of Christ in this telling
the words spoken on the cross
Christ dying for us while we were powerless
while we are mired in our sin
Christ’s words profound
the meaning, deep, rich
Forgive us, heavenly Father
for we know not what we do
Doing what is evil
when we want to do the good
wallowing in our own filth
spitting on your goodness
Christ coming to earth, becoming empty
trying to make hearts become open
speaking truth to power
yet we do not have ears to hear
Drying for us while we are incompetent
unworthy of God’s gift of grace
redeemed only by Christ’s humble mercy
his going to the cross

March 21, 2012
video 3/4/2012
Introduction and Chapter 1,
“Father Forgive them”
Luke 23:34
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (KJV)
Final Words from the Cross
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426746802
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/bookstore.aspx?contributorid=3827
http://www.facebook.com/RevAdamHamilton
https://twitter.com/#!/RevAdamHamilton
read February 25, 2012
and read February 26, 2012
&
Romans 5:6
Romans 5:8
bible study with Jean Anocibar on March 20, 2012
John 18:1-11
Jesus Arrested
John 6:39
Philippians 2:5-11
Philippians 2:9-11
Genesis 17:1-3
John 18:12-14
Jesus taken to Annas
John 18-15-18
Peter’s First Denial
Romans 5:6-8
Romans 5:6-11
Genesis 3 (Fall of Man)
Genesis 4 (Cain and Abel)
Psalm 51:6 (born sinful)
Ephesians 5:1-2
Romans 7:19
Romans 6:1-7
Romans 6:1-14

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Free Dinner - 3/21/2012

FREE DINNER – Our Family’s Table – American Chop Suey and Meatballs, bread, and desserts – 3/21/2012, 5:00 – 6:15pm, - Suncook United Methodist Church, 152 Main Street, Suncook, NH – dinner served at 5:30pm.

Handicapped accessible via ramp and lift.

Dinners are held from September to early June.

There is also 2+ tables of free bread and rolls/ English muffins/ bagel thins too.

There will be a more informal worship service, on prayer, facilitated by Certified Lay Speaker Ray Foss

http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

When we were still powerless

God, at his appointed time
while we were powerless
children, in our infancy
struggling with doing right or wrong
separated from God
Sending Christ, to heal the breach
to reconcile us to God
sacrificing that we may live,
while we yet sin,
becoming the Lamb of God

March 21, 2012
Romans 5:6
Romans 5:8
bible study with Jean Anocibar on March 20, 2012
John 18:1-11
Jesus Arrested
John 6:39
Philippians 2:5-11
Philippians 2:9-11
Genesis 17:1-3
John 18:12-14
Jesus taken to Annas
John 18-15-18
Peter’s First Denial
Romans 5:6-8
Romans 5:6-11
Genesis 3 (Fall of Man)
Genesis 4 (Cain and Abel)
Psalm 51:6 (born sinful)
Ephesians 5:1-2
Romans 7:19
Romans 6:1-7
Romans 6:1-14

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,870+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

While we were still sinners

While we were still sinners
willful , disobedient children
thinking we know better
than our Father in heaven
unwilling to follow the rules
stomping off in a huff
flailing about, running amuck
getting the whole thing wrong

While we were still sinners
older, more “mature”,
still not conforming to God’s will
breaking every single rule
hurting those we love
callous toward neighbors in need
stomping off in a huff
flailing about, running amuck
getting the whole thing wrong

While we were still sinners
God entered the world
emptied of his holiness
yet faithful to God’s Word
the Word come alive, God, Emmanuel
walking the earth as a man
yet following every single rule
calling to us, to show us the way
a new covenant of love
a covenant of peace, through his blood
salvation through his cross

March 21, 2012
Romans 5:8
bible study with Jean Anocibar on March 20, 2012
John 18:1-11
Jesus Arrested
John 6:39
Philippians 2:5-11
Philippians 2:9-11
Genesis 17:1-3
John 18:12-14
Jesus taken to Annas
John 18-15-18
Peter’s First Denial
Romans 5:6-8
Romans 5:6-11
Genesis 3 (Fall of Man)
Genesis 4 (Cain and Abel)
Psalm 51:6 (born sinful)
Ephesians 5:1-2
Romans 7:19
Romans 6:1-7
Romans 6:1-14

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Putting God in a Box

We see in this story
the moments in the Garden
the whole passion story
man’s will versus God’s will
our plans versus his plan
Wishing to put God in a box
to conform the divine to our purpose
moments of grace transcending
offering us a warning, a choice

Seeing the coming of the traitor,
the betrayer, Judas
leading them into the garden, Gethsemane
to capture, to arrest Jesus
the guards, the soldiers, the servants of the leaders
responding instinctively, falling to their knees
Christ’s words of power, naming himself, I am,
homage to the Savior, God, Emmanuel

The disciples about to be scattered
bedlam as the guards came forward
the sublime moment of submission
Christ accepting the chains, to be bound, to be martyred
but not before Peter, impulsive,
coming forward with violence
stopped by his Master
with the words to put down his sword

All of God’s purpose, his plan
the tension with our free will
played out in the drama
the moment in the garden, Gethsemane
emptied of power, yet with fulfillment
God stepping outside of himself
becoming the Lamb of God

March 21, 2012
bible study with Jean Anocibar on March 20, 2012
John 18:1-11
Jesus Arrested
John 6:39
Philippians 2:5-11
Philippians 2:9-11
Genesis 17:1-3
John 18:12-14
Jesus taken to Annas
John 18-15-18
Peter’s First Denial
Romans 5:6-8
Romans 5:6-11
Genesis 3 (Fall of Man)
Genesis 4 (Cain and Abel)
Psalm 51:6 (born sinful)
Ephesians 5:1-2
Romans 7:19
Romans 6:1-7
Romans 6:1-14

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Peter, put your sword away

Peter, stop, I want this
this is how it has to be
Peter, don’t you understand,
haven’t we talked about this before
oh son, my brother
This all is something I must do
this is the path God set for me
let go of your anger
trust in the Lord
put your sword away
I don’t want others to be hurt
I know what I’m doing,
I have submitted to God’s will
I am going freely with them
all that I am for this
this is why I came
all of this is part of God’s plan

March 21, 2012
edited, changing name and edits,
from “Put your sword away”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/03/put-your-sword-away.html
March 20, 2012
John 18:11
John 18:1-11
Jesus Arrested
bible study with Jean Anocibar on March 20, 2012
John 6:39
Philippians 2:5-11
Philippians 2:9-11
Genesis 17:1-3
John 18:12-14
Jesus taken to Annas
John 18-15-18
Peter’s First Denial
Romans 5:6-8
Romans 5:6-11
Genesis 3 (Fall of Man)
Genesis 4 (Cain and Abel)
Psalm 51:6 (born sinful)
Ephesians 5:1-2
Romans 7:19
Romans 6:1-7
Romans 6:1-14

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

or humble before him

The soldiers, the guards
confused how to act
come to arrest Jesus
yet finding the Messiah
Christ claiming his name
the name of almighty God
Chaining the Savior
or humble before him
their actions that night
hard to comprehend
the Savior, the Lamb
submitting to them
saving the sheep
modeling love

March 20, 2012
bible study with Jean Anocibar on March 20, 2012
John 18:1-11
Jesus Arrested
John 6:39
Philippians 2:5-11
Philippians 2:9-11
Genesis 17:1-3
John 18:12-14
Jesus taken to Annas
John 18-15-18
Peter’s First Denial
Romans 5:6-8
Romans 5:6-11
Genesis 3 (Fall of Man)
Genesis 4 (Cain and Abel)
Psalm 51:6 (born sinful)
Ephesians 5:1-2
Romans 7:19
Romans 6:1-7
Romans 6:1-14

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Binding God in Chains

Literally that night in Gethsemane
Christ submissive, going
willing following God’s path
the plan for his fulfillment
all glory, all honor
giving to the soldiers
his body for the disciples
out of his great compassion
yet they bound him in chains
leading him to Annas, to Caiaphas
to the treachery, the false trial
on to his crucifixion,
his audience with Pilate
Binding God in chains
making the divine subservient
making the infinite small
within our control

March 20, 2012
bible study with Jean Anocibar on March 20, 2012
John 18:1-11
Jesus Arrested
John 6:39
Philippians 2:5-11
Philippians 2:9-11
Genesis 17:1-3
John 18:12-14
Jesus taken to Annas
John 18-15-18
Peter’s First Denial
Romans 5:6-8
Romans 5:6-11
Genesis 3 (Fall of Man)
Genesis 4 (Cain and Abel)
Psalm 51:6 (born sinful)
Ephesians 5:1-2
Romans 7:19
Romans 6:1-7
Romans 6:1-14

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

At just the right time

Something about this moment
for we had always sinned
right from the beginning
with Adam and Eve
all generations, starting with their sons
Cain and Abel guilty
every single one

At just the right time
God’s plan to unfold
Pilate, Caiaphas
the prophecy of John
Christ in the flesh
journeying with God’s message
at the time of God’s choosing
setting the passion into motion

March 20, 2012
Romans 5:6-8
Romans 5:6-11
Genesis 3 (Fall of Man)
Genesis 4 (Cain and Abel)
Psalm 51:6 (born sinful)
Ephesians 5:1-2
bible study with Jean Anocibar on March 20, 2012
John 18:1-11
Jesus Arrested
John 6:39
Philippians 2:5-11
Philippians 2:9-11
Genesis 17:1-3
John 18:12-14
Jesus taken to Annas
John 18-15-18
Peter’s First Denial
Romans 7:19
Romans 6:1-7
Romans 6:1-14

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

To stop the bloodshed

a warrior-Messiah,
a servant-king
submitting to God’s plan
over everything
Christ speaking to them
to Peter, in love
to stop the bloodshed
giving himself over
to be captured, arrested
that they may go free
fulfilling all prophets
to God unto thee
Choosing the path
the road before him
through the Temple, the trial
up Calvary’s hill

March 20, 2012
bible study with Jean Anocibar on March 20, 2012
John 18:1-11
Jesus Arrested
John 6:39
Philippians 2:5-11
Philippians 2:9-11
Genesis 17:1-3
John 18:12-14
Jesus taken to Annas
John 18-15-18
Peter’s First Denial
Romans 5:6-8
Romans 5:6-11
Genesis 3 (Fall of Man)
Genesis 4 (Cain and Abel)
Psalm 51:6 (born sinful)
Ephesians 5:1-2
Romans 7:19
Romans 6:1-7
Romans 6:1-14

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Let go of anger

Let go of anger
drop your sword
trust in me
trust in the Lord
all part of God’s plan
his perfect love
my time to suffer
to die for my God

March 20, 2012
John 18:11
John 18:1-11
Jesus Arrested
bible study with Jean Anocibar on March 20, 2012
John 6:39
Philippians 2:5-11
Philippians 2:9-11
Genesis 17:1-3
John 18:12-14
Jesus taken to Annas
John 18-15-18
Peter’s First Denial
Romans 5:6-8
Romans 5:6-11
Genesis 3 (Fall of Man)
Genesis 4 (Cain and Abel)
Psalm 51:6 (born sinful)
Ephesians 5:1-2
Romans 7:19
Romans 6:1-7
Romans 6:1-14

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ’s firm hold

Christ’s firm hold on the sheep
lovingly guarding the disciples
offering himself, a sacrifice
that they would be freed
let go by the soldiers
all those whom God had given
into his loving care
submitting his body to them
offering up this prayer

March 20, 2012
John 6:39
John 18:8
John 18:9
John 18:1-11
Jesus Arrested
bible study with Jean Anocibar on March 20, 2012
Philippians 2:5-11
Philippians 2:9-11
Genesis 17:1-3
John 18:12-14
Jesus taken to Annas
John 18-15-18
Peter’s First Denial
Romans 5:6-8
Romans 5:6-11
Genesis 3 (Fall of Man)
Genesis 4 (Cain and Abel)
Psalm 51:6 (born sinful)
Ephesians 5:1-2
Romans 7:19
Romans 6:1-7
Romans 6:1-14

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Pages

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Friday, March 23, 2012

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Tuesday, March 20, 2012