His Mission

yes, his life
how he lived
remembering his mission
come to the earth
to take on our sin
to atone, to make us whole
to be our sacrifice

May 2, 2012 and May 12, 2012
bible study with Jean Anocibar on May 2, 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 18,110+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

God is the Good Judge – 2 – v2

(A psalm of Solomon)

God is the good judge, I know justice.
He makes me seek comfort in his statutes,
he leads me into his inner chambers,
he refreshes my faith in wisdom.

He guides me in the ways of the law
for the sake of our holy covenant.

Even when I walk through the darkest hour
I will fear no man, no injustice,
for my good judge is with me;
your gavel and your judgments,
they give me protection, assurance.

You prepare a strong case before me
in the presence of my opponents.
You brief me for the witness stand;
I am well prepared for the challenge.

Surely your law, your wisdom will follow me
beyond the immediacy of this matter,
and I will live within in the courts
of the Good Judge always.

May 12, 2012
earlier poem, “God is the Good Judge - 2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/05/god-is-good-judge-2.html
earlier poem, “A psalm of Solomon”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/05/psalm-of-solomon.html
earlier poem, “In the keeping of the Good Shepherd – v2
(a retelling of the 23rd Psalm)”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/04/in-keeping-of-good-shepherd-v2.html
Psalm 23 (NIV)
Psalm 23 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 23, 2012 to April 29, 2012
“Because You Asked”
by Pat Edmonds
scripture and meditation for April 24, 2012
read April 24, 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 18,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

acts of sacrifice and surrender

let our lives be like the Christ
like the first disciples
leaving our boats, our nets
our lives on the shoreline
let us follow when he calls
following the example of Christ
offering acts of sacrifice and surrender
being Christ to our neighbors

May 12, 2012
John 15:12-13
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 8, 2012
read May 8, 2012
&
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,100+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

present in love to others

be present to your sisters
to your brothers in Christ
to witness God’s perfect love
be present in love to others
sharing the gospel story
the Good News of God’s love
redeeming us from judgment
grace to heal the world

edited October 28, 2015

present in love to others – v14

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/present-in-love-to-others-v14.html

(editing version 2)

edited August 21, 2015

present in love to others – v13

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/08/present-in-love-to-others-v13.html

(editing original)

edited November 17, 2014

present in love to others – v12

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/11/present-in-love-to-others-v12.html

(editing original again)

edited November 8, 2014

present in love to others – v11

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/11/present-in-love-to-others-v11.html

(editing original again)

edited October 29, 2014

present in love to others – v10

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/10/present-in-love-to-others-v10.html

(editing original again)

edited April 6, 2014

present in love to others – v9

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/04/present-in-love-to-others-v9.html

(editing original again)

edited March 29, 2014

present in love to others – v8

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/03/present-in-love-to-others-v8.html

(editing original again)

edited March 7, 2014

present in love to others – v7

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/03/present-in-love-to-others-v7.html

(editing original again)

edited March 4, 2014

present in love to others – v6

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/03/present-in-love-to-others-v6.html

(editing original again)

edited January 26, 2014

present in love to others – v5

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/01/be-present-to-your-sisters-to-your.html

(editing original again)

edited January 20, 2014

present in love to others – v4

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/01/present-in-love-to-others-v4.html

(editing original again)

Edited December 31, 2013

present in love to others – v3

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/12/present-in-love-to-others-v3.html

(editing original again)

Edited December 16, 2013

present in love to others – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/12/present-in-love-to-others-v2.html

May 12, 2012

present in love to others

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/05/present-in-love-to-others.html

John 15:12-13

John 15:9-17; Year B

Matthew 3:17

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012

“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”

by Scott Wagoner

scripture and meditation for May 8, 2012

read May 8, 2012

&

John 15:9-11

John 15:9-17; Year B

Matthew 3:17

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012

“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”

by Scott Wagoner

scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012

read May 7, 2012

&

John 15:5-8

John 15:1-8; Year B

The Vine and the Branches

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012

“A Growing Season”

by David Medlin

scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012

read May 7, 2012

&

John 15:1-4

John 15:1-8; Year B

The Vine and the Branches

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012

“A Growing Season”

by David Medlin

scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012

read May 5, 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 39,810+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

redeeming love

God’s life in Christ
redeeming love
saving each of us
Life in his grace
healing all of life
the full world his ministry
our hope in this life
walking with our Savior
God’s life in Christ

May 12, 2012
John 15:12-13
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 8, 2012
read May 8, 2012
&
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,100+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

God’s will in first place

Subordinating all else
God’s will in first place
at the center of our lives
our hope in no one else
sacrificing self
giving up our lives
submitting our lives to God
our Lord and risen Christ

May 12, 2012
John 15:12-13
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 8, 2012
read May 8, 2012
&
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,100+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

on the altar of the cross

Christ became the sacrifice
God emptied of power
submitting to the Father
drinking the offal cup
the bile of our sin
on the altar of the cross
raised up, a witness
to the great love of God

May 12, 2012
John 15:12-13
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 8, 2012
read May 8, 2012
&
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,100+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Jesus laid down his life - 2

Not just a sacrifice
but a witness
an outpouring of love
an example for us
Jesus laid down his life
to give a hope at paradise
and to show us how to love
to love our neighbors
all of our lives

May 12, 2012
John 15:12-13
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 8, 2012
read May 8, 2012
&
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,100+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a willingness to sacrifice

a willingness to sacrifice
the true measure of his followers
are we prepared to be emptied
to be used or laid aside by God
are we prepared to serve our neighbor
to judge not our fellow man
are we willing to lay down our life
as did the Son of Man


May 12, 2012
John 15:12-13
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 8, 2012
read May 8, 2012
&
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 21,320+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

God is the Good Counsel

God is the good counsel, we fear not the trials.
He enables us to seek comfort in the law,
he leads us through our struggles,
he refreshes our faith in justice.
He guides us in the ways of our law
for the sake of the greater purposes, the social contract.
Even when we journey through the darkest trial
We shall fear no one, no injustice,
for our good counsel is with us;
Your research and your strong arguments
they give us protection in the courts.
You prepare a strong case before us
in the presence of our harshest critics.
You brief us for the witness stand;
We are well prepared for cross-examination.
Surely your loyal service and advocacy will follow us
long after this case is over,
and we will live within our good counsel always.

May 12, 2012
earlier poem, “God is the Good Judge - 2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/05/god-is-good-judge-2.html
earlier poem, “A psalm of Solomon”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/05/psalm-of-solomon.html
earlier poem, “In the keeping of the Good Shepherd – v2
(a retelling of the 23rd Psalm)”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/04/in-keeping-of-good-shepherd-v2.html
Psalm 23 (NIV)
Psalm 23 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 23, 2012 to April 29, 2012
“Because You Asked”
by Pat Edmonds
scripture and meditation for April 24, 2012
read April 24, 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 21,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Sacrificial Love

Live as Christ did
holding nothing back
offering ourselves
our lives on the line
Sacrificial love
knowing the cost
offering them our lives
pouring out God’s love

May 12, 2012
John 15:12-13
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 8, 2012
read May 8, 2012
&
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,100+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Continuing to the end of time

Our task, our commission
to be emptied, to be filled
to be a vessel of God’s love
just as Jesus was
Continuing to the end of time
until the end of the age
being emptied of ourselves
to be filled with God
poured out, an offering
hope for our fellow man

May 12, 2012
John 15:12-13
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 8, 2012
read May 8, 2012
&
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,090+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

God is my Good Counsel

God is my good counsel, I fear not the trials.
He enables me to seek comfort in the law,
he leads me through my struggles,
he refreshes my faith in justice.
He guides me in the ways of our law
for the sake of the greater purposes, the social contract.
Even when I journey through the darkest trial
I will fear no one, no injustice,
for my good counsel is with me;
Your research and your strong arguments
they give me protection in the courts.
You prepare a strong case before me
in the presence of my harshest critics.
You brief me for the witness stand;
I am well prepared for cross-examination.
Surely your loyal service and advocacy will follow me
beyond the term of this one matter,
and I will live within the good counsel always.

May 12, 2012
earlier poem, “God is the Good Judge - 2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/05/god-is-good-judge-2.html
earlier poem, “A psalm of Solomon”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/05/psalm-of-solomon.html
earlier poem, “In the keeping of the Good Shepherd – v2
(a retelling of the 23rd Psalm)”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/04/in-keeping-of-good-shepherd-v2.html
Psalm 23 (NIV)
Psalm 23 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 23, 2012 to April 29, 2012
“Because You Asked”
by Pat Edmonds
scripture and meditation for April 24, 2012
read April 24, 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 18,090+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A psalm of Wisdom, of Peace

God is my good counsel, I fear not the trials.
He enables me to seek comfort in the law,
he leads me through my struggles,
he refreshes my faith in the legal system.
He guides me in the ways of our law
for the sake of the greater purposes, the social contract.
Even when I journey through the darkest trial
I will fear no one, no injustice,
for my good counsel is with me;
your research and your strong arguments
they give me protection in the courts.
You prepare a strong case before me
in the presence of my harshest critics.
You brief me for the witness stand;
I am well prepared for cross-examination.
Surely your loyal service and advocacy will follow me
beyond the term of this one matter,
and I will live within the arms of the good counsel forever.


May 12, 2012
earlier poem, “God is the Good Judge - 2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/05/god-is-good-judge-2.html
earlier poem, “A psalm of Solomon”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/05/psalm-of-solomon.html
earlier poem, “In the keeping of the Good Shepherd – v2
(a retelling of the 23rd Psalm)”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/04/in-keeping-of-good-shepherd-v2.html
Psalm 23 (NIV)
Psalm 23 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 23, 2012 to April 29, 2012
“Because You Asked”
by Pat Edmonds
scripture and meditation for April 24, 2012
read April 24, 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 18,090+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

We pour out this love

Becoming like Christ, a vessel
filled with the love of God
from another before us
from the breath of God
We are filled with the love
the same love of God
eternal and unending
filling us with that love
We pour out this love
love overflowing within us
poured out in full measure
emptied that we may be filled

May 12, 2012
John 15:12-13
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 8, 2012
read May 8, 2012
&
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,090+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Full of the Father’s love

Christ drenched by the Spirit
washed in the waters
full of the Father’s love
sent to be an example
Showing us love
by the way he loves us
teaching us compassion
the way of sacrifice

May 12, 2012
John 15:12-13
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 8, 2012
read May 8, 2012
&
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,090+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ loves us

As the Father loves Christ
so Christ loves us
in response to God’s will
God’s grace upon us
The fullness of God
in the Son come down
mercy and love
God’s grace abounds

May 12, 2012
John 15:12-13
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 8, 2012
read May 8, 2012
&
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,090+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

In response to the Father’s love

In response to the Father’s love
Christ loves us
connected in love
healed by the love of Christ
Washing over us
giving us heavenly peace
in the arms of love
for all eternity


May 12, 2012
John 15:12-13
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 8, 2012
read May 8, 2012
&
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,090+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

God’s love flows through the heart of Jesus

A channel of grace
a means of God’s witness
his sharing with us
his love overflowing
God’s love flows through
the very heart of Jesus
his life, his cup
sharing God’s grace
his love for us
sacrifice and victory
our joy now complete

May 11, 2012
John 15:12-13
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 8, 2012
read May 8, 2012
&
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,080+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

God’s love flows into the heart of Jesus

The Father’s love for Jesus
poured into our Savior
poured out in sacrifice
offered right to us
God’s love flows
into the heart of Jesus
the fount, the cup
love overflowing


May 11, 2012
John 15:12-13
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 8, 2012
read May 8, 2012
&
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,080+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

this love fills us

The Father’s love for Jesus
poured into our Savior
poured out in sacrifice
offered right to us
this love fills us
transforming our lives
bearing God’s message
love to the world


May 11, 2012
John 15:12-13
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 8, 2012
read May 8, 2012
&
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,080+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

for his friends

Christ’s sacrifice for us
for those he calls friends
no longer servants
now children of God
Christ’s sacrifice for us
for his friends
laying down his life
bearing the cost of sin


May 11, 2012
John 15:13
John 15:12-13
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 8, 2012
read May 8, 2012
&
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,080+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

than this, that he lay down his life

The statement of power
purity, completeness
no greater love
none greater
than this
that he lay down his life
for his friends, for all of us
dying, that we may live

May 11, 2012
John 15:13
John 15:12-13
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 8, 2012
read May 8, 2012
&
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,080+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Greater love has no one

Greater love does not exist
greater love has no one
than what Christ displayed
his example in his walk
Giving up his life
submitting unto God
laying down his life
to raise each of us up

May 11, 2012
John 15:13
John 15:12-13
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 8, 2012
read May 8, 2012
&
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,080+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

No greater love

Christ showed us true love
all of his life
his journey from heaven
to the womb, to the cross
Christ showed us love
no greater love than this
laying down his life
that all of us may live

May 11, 2012
John 15:13
John 15:12-13
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 8, 2012
read May 8, 2012
&
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,080+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Love each other as I have loved you

Why don’t we listen
why do we forget this part
claiming to be Christian
hate in our heart

Christ’s command for us
a new commandment to love
to love each other
as he loves us


May 11, 2012
John 15:12
John 15:12-13
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 8, 2012
read May 8, 2012
&
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,080+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ’s command

Christ’s command
more important than ever
the toxic language
the throwing of brickbats
the coarseness rising
unfiltered, unstopping
his command to us
to love as he loves


May 11, 2012
John 15:12
John 15:12-13
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 8, 2012
read May 8, 2012
&
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,080+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Remain in my Love – v2

Stay within me
in my arms
in my presence
abide in the vine
Remain in my Love

Cling to our Savior
the vine to our branches
the fruit of the Spirit
Gifts of God’s love
pouring o’er us

May 11, 2012
Edit of poem, “Remain in my Love”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/05/remain-in-my-love.html
May 7, 2012
John 15:9
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May , 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 18,080+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A North Star for Our Journey

The pole, the compass, the focus
our North Star for our journey
Christ, the Messiah
God here with us, Emmanuel,
source of all life
be our center, lead us, O Shepherd
guiding us to glory, your voice, your life
our gate to heaven, our way to paradise

May 11, 2012
edit of earlier poem, “A North Star for the Journey”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/05/north-star-for-journey.html
May 10, 2012
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,080+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

God is our Good Judge

(A psalm of Solomon)

God is our good judge, we know justice.
He makes us seek comfort in his statutes,
he leads us into his chambers,
he refreshes our faith in goodness.
He guides us in the ways of the Law
for the sake of the human social contract.

Even when we walk through the darkest trial
We shall fear no man, no injustice,
for our wise counsel is with us;
your gavel and your judgments,
they give us protection, assurance.

You prepare a strong case before us
in the presence of our harshest opponents.
You brief us for the witness stand;
We are well prepared for the challenge.
Surely your loyalty and advocacy will follow each of us
beyond the term of this matter, this trial,
and we shall live within in the courts of our Judge always.

May 11, 2012
earlier poem, “In the keeping of the Good Shepherd – v2
(a retelling of the 23rd Psalm)”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/04/in-keeping-of-good-shepherd-v2.html
Psalm 23 (NIV)
Psalm 23 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 23, 2012 to April 29, 2012
“Because You Asked”
by Pat Edmonds
scripture and meditation for April 24, 2012
read April 24, 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 18,070+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

I agree with President Obama. Same-sex couples should be able to marry.

I understand to some extent the journey that President Obama has spoken of this week on the evolution of his view on same-sex marriage. My position on gay marriage has evolved over time. I probably haven’t been as sensitive or loving toward those who are gay as I probably should have been during my life. I have even been approached by people who were gay who thought I was and wanted a relationship with me when I was in high school.

Same sex coupling doesn’t make sense to me biologically, as the parts are meant to intersect for procreation. If that is all that coming together in a loving relationship means, then it doesn’t fit.

Then again, because of the harsh response from much of society, at least until recently, I do not believe that homosexuality, bisexuality, or even transgender is necessarily a choice for many people. I believe that is who they are. Calling who someone is a sin is incredibly corrosive and hurtful. I do believe some people may choose this lifestyle; but I also believe we don’t know fully what is genetic and what isn’t.

I believe it is certainly possible that God makes gay people, straight people, even biologically confused people. God makes black people, white people, handicapped people, left-handed people, right-handed people, those who need glasses, those with diabetes, those with asthma, etc.

Loving relationships are rare, or so it seems in our current age. People look for love in all the wrong places, as the song goes. When we find it, we want to cherish it, and hold onto it. There are many same-sex couples that have been just as faithful and long-lasting, as have opposite sex couples. The beloved children’s book author and illustrator Maurice Sendak died this week and he talked of a 50-year relationship.

I believe same-sex love can be just as genuine as heterosexual loving relationships. And there can be the same negative treatment as we see in heterosexual relationships. There is no end to the harm humans seem to be able to heap on each other.

With regard to the entangled church and state nature of what marriage is and should be, I think we need to step back and look at it pragmatically.

My personal belief is that the government never should have been the body to issue marriage licenses. That is a loaded term, rich with religious doctrine and dogma. The government should have issued civil contracts allowing couples to join in the civil sense. Because of the merging of church and state, until recently, couples who wanted to live together were not protected under that system, whether they were gay or straight. They could not visit their partner in the hospital, didn’t have rights in probate, for health insurance, etc.

It should have been churches that did religious weddings. The whole history would have been different. My wife Ruth and I got the best of both worlds. We were first married civilly by a beloved person who was a justice of the peace and then, after going through the process required by our faith, we had a wonderful church wedding (combining a wedding service, a renewal of vows service, and an anniversary service).

But there was not this division of duties in the law. The law blends religious and secular values in loaded terms in the secular law. Marriage, as opposed to other civil unions, (whether same-sex or people of opposite sexes), has different legal rights in our country. That is why it is important that we have a civil law answer to this situation.

That does not solve the religious law and language issue, as was quite evident at the United Methodist quadrennial General Conference late last month and early this month.

At the General Conference, and throughout the denomination, there are differences of opinion on same-sex couples, gay marriage, and on whether a GLBT person should be allowed to become ordained, whether or not they are active in a particular sexual act or not. The General Conference could not even agree to state that the members of the denomination are not of one mind on these issues, even though we clearly are. In the end, more conservative was added to our church’s law.

And that does not solve civil society’s reality that there are many states now where same-sex marriage, not just civil unions, are authorized under the law. We now have different law across the country. And we have the situation where some who can marry in their state cannot be married within their faith.

All of this is to say that I come out about where President Obama does. We should love our neighbors as ourselves. And we should go beyond that. We should love them as Christ loved us, sacrificing all, even laying down his life that we may live. His two commands were to love God and love our fellow man. That to me, means seeing them as of sacred worth and deserving of the equal protections of the law that we have, as flawed as they are.

If we could unscramble the egg and separate the secular and the religious this might be simpler, but we live in a world with not only black and white but a lot of gray and the spectrum of the rainbow. In the structure of our law that blends religious and secular rights, same-sex couples should have equal rights.

I respect those that come to a different conclusion and I pray they will respect my right to have this opinion.


May 11, 2012
Comments posted to my Facebook about my statement I supported President Obama
&
President Obama’s statement on Gay Marriage Equality
on May 9, 2012
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/05/09/president-obama-supports-same-sex-marriage
&
poems written May 3, 2012
inspired by United Methodist Church General Conference
GC2012 – discussions in morning session
poem today, “You are Sin”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/05/you-are-sin.html
&
earlier poem, “You Must be Mistaken”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/04/you-must-be-mistaken.html
April 28, 2012
Passage of Paragraph #304.3 language in committee at
United Methodist General Conference 2012
http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.8029511/k.8489/General_Conference_2012__The_United_Methodist_Church.htm
barring ordination for same-sex candidates, those guilty of pre-marital sex, and adultery.
http://calms.umc.org/2012/Text.aspx?mode=Petition&Number=994
http://salvagedfaith.wordpress.com/2012/04/28/questionsimplications-re-paragraph-304-3-gc2012/
&
earlier poem, “Grieving in my spirit – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/04/grieving-in-my-spirit-v2.html
edited April 29, 2012
&
and earlier poem,
“I am broken, I am hurting”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/04/i-am-broken-i-am-hurting.html
April 29, 2012
Luke 24:13-16
Luke 22:19
Luke 24:30-21
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
Matthew 28:18-20
The Great Commission
Postscript:
“The Words After That”
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
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission
&
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
&
path of my wife to the United Methodist Church
after she felt the call to ministry
and was told that her church (Baptist)
did not believe women serving in the pulpit
was consistent with scripture.
&
John 8:1-11
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 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 21,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

with whom I am well pleased

we are beloved
loved children of God
loved no matter our sins
ever loved by God
we are beloved
loved children of God
with whom God is well pleased
as he was with the Christ
rising up from the waters
faithfully doing our work

May 11, 2012
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,070+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

You are my son, my daughter

God’s voice still calling
as he did to the Christ
rising up from the waters
commissioned to do his work

You are my son, my daughter
beloved in my sight
rising up from the waters
sent to bear God’s light

May 11, 2012
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,070+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

We are beloved

(as God said at Christ’s baptism)

We are beloved
children of God
sent to the world
to carry God’s word

We are beloved
as God spoke from above
the anointing of Christ
when he rose from the Jordan

We are beloved
sheep of the flock
the gate of the Christ
sent to show God’s love

May 11, 2012
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,070+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The same love as the Father had for the Son

Christ’s prayer, his promise
the same love for us
his love within us
offered for us
a gift of his love
as the Father loves the Son
so he loves us
abiding, living
growing within us

Christ’s prayer in these words
that we would obey
that we would follow his commands
every single day
That we would abide
that we would stay in his love
abiding in him
that we would know the love
of the Father through him

May 11, 2012
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,070+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

And your joy may be complete

Christ’s prayer in these words
that we would obey
that we would follow his commands
every single day
That we would abide
that we would stay in his love
abiding in him
that we would know the love
of the Father through him


May 11, 2012
John 15:11
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,070+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The same love for us

(as the Father had for the Son)

Christ’s prayer, his promise
the same love for us
his love within us
offered for us
a gift of his love
as the Father loves the Son
so he loves us
abiding, living
growing within us

May 11, 2012
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,070+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

That My Joy may be in you – v2

The hope of our Savior
Christ’s prayer for our lives
in these words of love
wanting us to know joy
as he himself has
That Christ’s joy
God’s joy alive
that his joy may live
inside of us

May 11, 2012
John 15:11
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,070+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

That My Joy may be in you

The hope of our Savior
in these words of love
wanting us to know joy
as he himself has
That Christ’s joy
God’s joy alive
that his joy may live
inside of us


May 11, 2012
John 15:11
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,070+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Abiding elsewhere

Outside the vine
cut off from Christ
as if cast out by God
abiding somewhere else
Abiding outside God’s love
not fed by the Word
following other spirits
lost out in the world

May 11, 2012
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,070+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

God is the Good Judge - 2

(A psalm of Solomon)

God is the good judge, I have justice.
He makes me seek comfort in his statutes,
he leads me into his chambers,
he refreshes my faith in wisdom.
He guides me in the ways of the law
for the sake of the human social contract.
Even when I walk through the darkest trial
I will fear no man, no injustice,
for my counsel is with me;
your gavel and your judgments,
they give me protection, assurance.
You prepare a strong case before me
in the presence of my opponents.
You brief me for the witness stand;
I am well prepared for the challenge.
Surely your loyalty and advocacy will follow me
beyond the term of this matter,
and I will live within in the courts of my Judge always.

May 11, 2012
earlier poem, “In the keeping of the Good Shepherd – v2
(a retelling of the 23rd Psalm)”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/04/in-keeping-of-good-shepherd-v2.html
Psalm 23 (NIV)
Psalm 23 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 23, 2012 to April 29, 2012
“Because You Asked”
by Pat Edmonds
scripture and meditation for April 24, 2012
read April 24, 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. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 23,490+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A psalm of Solomon

God is my good judge, I have justice.
He makes me seek comfort in his statutes,
he leads me into his chambers,
he refreshes my faith in wisdom.
He guides me in the ways of the law
for the sake of the social contract.
Even when I walk
through the darkest trial
I will fear no man, no injustice,
for my counsel is with me;
your gavel and your judgments,
they give me protection.
You prepare a case before me
in the presence of my opponents.
You brief me for the witness stand;
I am well prepared.
Surely your loyal service and advocacy will follow me
beyond the term of this matter,
and I will live within in the courts of the Judge always.


May 11, 2012
earlier poem, “In the keeping of the Good Shepherd – v2
(a retelling of the 23rd Psalm)”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/04/in-keeping-of-good-shepherd-v2.html
Psalm 23 (NIV)
Psalm 23 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 23, 2012 to April 29, 2012
“Because You Asked”
by Pat Edmonds
scripture and meditation for April 24, 2012
read April 24, 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 18,070+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

We just drift

buffeted by the winds
floating on the water
tossed left and right
bobbing on the waters
abiding outside
not abiding in the vine
drift within the maelstrom
no peace within the storm

May 10, 2012
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Uprooted

caught by the wind
lifted by the floodwaters
uprooted from our moorings
our roots in shifting sands
not bound to our Savior
not abiding in the vine
uprooted, floating
caught up in the storms

May 10, 2012
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Unanchored

unanchored
lost
adrift in this world
not grounded in Christ
wandering, apart
unanchored
lost
blowing in the wind
not abiding in Christ
wandering still


May 10, 2012
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 18,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A place to abide, to dwell

Within the arms of God
in the sheep fold of Christ
a place to abide, to dwell
within the vine of God’s love
Fed by the water
life in God’s Word
hope for tomorrow
life is our reward

May 10, 2012
John 15:9-11
John 15:9-17; Year B
Matthew 3:17
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012
“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”
by Scott Wagoner
scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:5-8
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012
read May 7, 2012
&
John 15:1-4
John 15:1-8; Year B
The Vine and the Branches
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012
“A Growing Season”
by David Medlin
scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012
read May 5, 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 21,320+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.