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Sunday, January 22, 2017

sermon, "Job Search...", by Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, Patten, ME, January 22, 2017



January 22, 2017
Stetson Memorial UMC
Sermon Series:
 “Becoming You. . . ”
“Called”
Adapted from Marcia McPhee’
“Who Are You?” Sermon Series
Psalm 27:1,4-8 NIV
Isaiah 6:8 TLB
Matthew 4:18-22 TLB
1 Cor. 1:1-2 NIV Bible

“Job Search. . . ”

Prayer that God’s Word is heard through me or in-spite of me. . .

Please stand for the reading of the Gospel St. Matthew, chapter 4, verses 18-22. Listen to the Word of God, His Love Letter to His beloved, you and I. . .
Matthew 4:18-22Living Bible (TLB)
18 One day as he (Jesus) was walking along the beach beside the Lake of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—out in a boat fishing with a net, for they were commercial fishermen.
19 Jesus called out, “Come along with me and I will show you how to fish for the souls of men!” 20 And they left their nets at once and went with him.
21 A little farther up the beach he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, mending their nets; and he called to them to come too. 22 At once they stopped their work and, leaving their father behind, went with him.

When we begin a conversation with someone we don’t know, it usually begins as this:
“Hi, I’m Ruth. I don’t think I have met you before”
“Good to meet you, I’m John”
“Good to meet you too John. What do you do?”
“I’m a. . . ”
It seems in our culture we really are what we do. But our vocation doesn’t define who we are. . . it’s not equivalent to who we are. For instance, how would you introduce yourself in relationship to the church? What are you in relationship to God and his call He has fashioned just for you. . . one on one else can fill? Who are you within God’s grand design for the world?

God’s promises and truths, can be very hard to understand if we don’t realize who we are in Christ Jesus. Who are we really. . . how does God equip us. . . what are we supposed to do. . . ? We have begun to look at who we are in Christ. . . we have begun a deep journey into these questions and more. I truly believe that we all want to become the “you” God wants us to be. Let’s see what transformation happens as we become who God says we are and not who the world thinks we are. 

On our journey, we have discovered one fact. . . you and I are God’s beloved. You and I are cherished, favored, and loved by God. Even in this world of rejection and exclusiveness, there is One who never reject us. . . flaws and all. . . no matter how far we may fall. We have gone to the river with Jesus and remembered our baptism and the promise found there. How are you and I doing living the life of abundance of grace and acceptance?



We talked about the different names that we go by, how we are identified.
We are the beloved of God. . . if we choose to accept and believe. . .  We also are honored by bearing Jesus Christ’s name when we call ourselves “Christ”ians. . . what a thought that is. . .  But as I asked before, “who are you. . . who am I” in the grand scheme of things within God’s plan? Do we really want to know what it is or would we rather not have to step out of the boat onto the waves of darkness and despair around us outside our sanctuary’s door. . . ?

Did you know that 80% of the ministry of the church is done by 20% of its people? The reason may be that many of that 80% don’t realize who they are as disciples of Jesus Christ. They don’t know what they are called to do. They know their “vocation” but do not know their “ministry” in Christ Jesus.

How many of you have seen this scenario before?
1.  Someone discovers a spiritual gifts inventory and everyone gets excited.
2.  People take the gifts test and discover their gifts from God.
3.  There is great excitement and celebration.
4.  No one translates it to them in real-world applications.
5.  Nothing happens.
6.  Time passes and the gifts inventory is a memory. . . a thing of the past.
7.  Repeat step 1. . .
Just knowing your gifts doesn’t help you discover who you are. It largely doesn’t answer “what do I do?” Don’t get me wrong. . . it is a valuable tool. . . but it needs to be followed through of sorts. . . it needs to be explained in a way that helps the person put it into context of their life.


Who Are You? God has called you and I not just by name but for a purpose. When we find, and claim our own vocation. . . find, claim and walk in our purpose. . . it fulfills us and makes a difference in the world around us. . . we are freed from the bonds of what others expect of us or claims “for” us. It will no longer matter what others think or say because you are on target with the calling you have in your life. . . and when you find it. . . beloved don’t let anyone else talk you out of it. . . don’t let anyone tell you that you are wrong. . . don’t let anyone else make you question if you heard God right. . . don’t let them steal your joy. . . you are in the will of God and He is ever so proud of His beloved child. . .

In the Matthew I read this morning, Jesus called these fishermen into a new vocation. Instead of fishing for fish He called them to fish for men. . . to learn from Him so that they would be able to continue Jesus’ ministry. . . yet, at this point, they didn’t realize just what they are being called to do. . .  When they heard what, their purpose was. . . when it was explained to them in simple form. . . I will make you fishers of men. . . they immediately followed. It is hard sometimes to immediately follow. . . you have had a life and now you are being asked to change it. . . share one of my hard times. . .

Within that call. . . there also may be other callings. . . dual call. . . or many sub-calls so to speak. . .  But the main focus is this. . . God calls us. . .  Discipleship comes in many forms. . . some of them are pretty surprising. WE are called in many ways. . . let me share a few from scripture with you. . .

A Holy People
1 Corinthians 1:1-2New International Version (NIV)
1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:
Called by God
Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Called of Jesus Christ to separation, obedience and ministry
Jude 1-2
"To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you."
1 Corinthians 1:1-2
"Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God...  to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord...."
Called to walk a narrow way with Him and obey Him
Matthew 7:13-15
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." 
Called to see Jesus as the source of our wisdom and power
1 Corinthians 1:23-24
"...we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men."
But few respond to His call with true faith
Matthew 20:12, 22:14
"... many are called, but few chosen.”
 Luke 8:11-15
“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience."
Only by His grace can anyone win the prize
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.”

This is only a few. . . I challenge you to look in God’s word and find the many ways we are called by God and when we are called we are equipped by Him. It is not of our own power but in the power and calling of the Spirit and against that no one can fight against. God has a plan and a purpose for everyone and everything that is created. We need to encourage others and not bring them down. We need to step out in faith. . . into the calling God has placed on our lives. . . no matter what season we are in. . . and yes. . . God even call’s us in our “twilight” season of life.

Who are you? Where has your “Job Search” . . . your seeking God’s purpose for your life brought you? To a Red Sea event, desert experience or are you following the Master builder of your life? Are you going by the worlds standards of what is important or are you working on Kingdom time, in the Kingdom place you were created for? Are you will to become the you that God wants you to be? Are you ready to walk in your calling from God? Growing is hard but there is great reward in the kingdom as we become us. . . become you. . . become me. . . become the church. . . become . . .  Perhaps as we release ourselves from the bondage of recognition of the world and lived for the approval of God, maybe. . . just maybe there would be more saving and more doing in and for the Kingdom of God. . . what do you think?

Amen
January 22, 2017
called - 2
January 22, 2017
chosen - 2
January 22, 2017
created
January 22, 2017
why aren’t we acting boldly
January 22, 2017
why are we afraid - 3
Psalm 27:1, 4-8
January 22, 2017
no matter the naysayers
January 22, 2017
Created, Chosen, and Called
January 22, 2017
Listen to the whisper
January 22, 2017
Heed your calling
January 22, 2017
God calls to us
January 22, 2017
God wants volunteers
January 22, 2017
will you pick up your mantle
January 21, 2017
we must be willing to go
January 21, 2017
they straightway left their nets
January 22, 2017
Stetson Memorial UMC
Sermon Series:
 “Becoming You. . . ”
“Called”
Adapted from Marcia McPhee’
“Who Are You?” Sermon Series
Psalm 27:1, 4-8
Isaiah 6:8
Matthew 4:18-22
1 Corinthians 1:1-2
and sermon, “Job Search. . . ”
text
video

by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
Children’s Message – mystery box

by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 22, 2017
&
January 21, 2017
the One who teaches us
January 21, 2017
the One who guides us
January 21, 2017
the One who takes away our sin
January 21, 2017
the One who redeemed us
January 21, 2017
God continues to call us
January 21, 2017
God molds us into the name
January 21, 2017
The one who knows our name
January 21, 2017
God molds us into the image
January 21, 2017
we bear the name of Christ
January 21, 2017
children of the Most High God
January 21, 2017
healing our broken vessels
edited January 21, 2017
We are the clay of the Potter – v2
edited January 20, 2017
Claimed by the Creator – v2
edited January 20, 2017
this is the God who named us – v2
January 20, 2017
this is the God who named us
edited January 20, 2017
do we know our name – v2
edited January 20, 2017
Rabbi, Messiah, and Lamb – v3
edited January 19, 2017
our identity in Christ - v2
January 19, 2017
the God who gave us life
January 19, 2017
We are clay of the Potter
(starting with second stanza of “God is the one who formed you”)
January 19, 2017
God is the one who formed you
January 19, 2017
we were only dust
January 19, 2017
you give us the breath of life
January 19, 2017
we are all formed by your hand
January 19, 2017
Claimed by the Creator
edited January 19, 2017
You are mine – v2
January 19, 2017
the Lord your God
January 19, 2017
we are the clay - 2
January 19, 2017
this is the potter
January 19, 2017
the Creator of the universe
January 19, 2017
we too are beloved – v2
January 18, 2017
I have called you by name
January 18, 2017
You are mine
January 18, 2017
I have redeemed you
edited January 18, 2017
Rabbi, Messiah, and Lamb – v2
January 18, 2017
Rabbi, Messiah, and Lamb
edited January 18, 2017
Rabbi, teacher – v2
edited January 18, 2017
many pieces, one body of Christ
edited January 18, 2017
I follow Christ – v2
January 18, 2017
I follow Christ
January 18, 2017
John spoke his name
January 18, 2017
Jesus was the Lamb
January 18, 2017
do we know our name
January 18, 2017
Christ taught us about God
January 18, 2017
we are taught by his life
January 18, 2017
we are still being  taught
January 17, 2017
Rabbi, teacher
January 16, 2017
Jesus wore that name to the cross
January 16, 2017
shattered pieces of the body of Christ
January 16, 2017
Claiming other masters
January 16, 2017
we have gone to the river
January 16, 2017
we are God’s beloved - 2
January 16, 2017
not who the world thinks we are
January 16, 2017
may we become who God says we are
January 16, 2017
to become who God wants me to be
January 16, 2017
we have found the Messiah - 2
January 16, 2017
we have found the Christ
January 16, 2017
named by God
January 16, 2017
labeled by the world
January 16, 2017
I want there to be more
edited January 16, 2017
a Follower of Christ – v2
January 16, 2017
a Follower of Christ
January 16, 2017
He is the One
January 15, 2017
rejecting their labels
January 15, 2017
names we long to hear
January 15, 2017
the names we hear whispered
January 15, 2017
the names we call ourselves
January 15, 2017
peeling away the veneer
January 15, 2017
following the Messiah
January 15, 2017
leaving the prophet
January 14, 2017
leaving John at the Jordan
January 14, 2017
bringing Peter to Christ
January 14, 2017
chasing after the Christ
on Andrew, brother of Peter
edited January 14, 2017
fire fell upon the Christ – v3
(editing version 2)
edited January 14, 2017
through the waters, through the fire – v2
January 9, 2017
through the waters, through the fire
edited January 14, 2017
we are blessed – 3 – v2
January 14, 2017
we are blessed - 3
January 14, 2017
who are you
January 14, 2017
Do we know who we are
January 14, 2017
You are the Beloved of God
January 15, 2017
Stetson Memorial UMC
Sermon Series:
 “Becoming You. . . ”
“Named”
Adapted from Marcia McPhee’
“Who Are You?” Sermon Series
Psalm 40:1-7 (TLB)
Isaiah 43:1-3 (NIV Bible)
John 1:29-32 (NLT)
John 1:37-41 (NLT)
1 Corinthians 1:11-12 (NIV Bible)
Isaiah 64:8 (NLT)
and sermon, “Who Do You Say You Are. . . ?”
text
video
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Children’s Message – mystery box
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 15, 2017
&
edited January 13, 2017
Fire fell upon the Christ – v2
edited January 13, 2017
Fire fell upon Him – v2
edited January 13, 2017
Fire fell upon the Christ
January 13, 2017
fire fell upon him
edited January 12, 2017
life-giving fire – v3
(editing version 2)
edited January 12, 2017
a moment in history – v2
edited January 12, 2017
a moment in history
January 12, 2017
a moment in history
edited/new January 12, 2017
in the water we die
January 12, 2017
into the waters we fall
edited January 12, 2017
through water, through fire – v2
edited January 12, 2017
droplets of your mercy – v2
edited January 11, 2017
this is the promise – v2
edited January 11, 2017
unconditional love – v2
edited January 11, 2017
you have been sealed with power – v2
edited January 11, 2017
breaking open our lives  - v3
(editing version 2)
edited January 11, 2017
our jars of alabaster – v2
edited January 11, 2017
scattering our gifts – v2
January 10, 2017
you have been sealed with grace
January 10, 2017
you have been sealed with power
January 9, 2017
you have been sealed – v2
January 9, 2017
through water we are redeemed – v2
January 9, 2017
Remember your baptism – v4
(editing version 3)
edited January 9, 2017
through water, through fire
January 9, 2017
through the waters, through the fire
January 9, 2017
life-changing baptism
January 9, 2017
WE ARE BELOVED - 2
January 9, 2017
through his name
January 9, 2017
this is the promise
January 9, 2017
we too are beloved
January 9, 2017
the delight of my life
January 9, 2017
marked by my love - 2
January 9, 2017
accepted, flaws and all
January 9, 2017
love is conditional
January 9, 2017
Cherished, favored, and loved
January 8, 2017
unconditional love
January 8, 2017
the flame within us
January 8, 2017
to complete the new creation - 2
January 8, 2017
in our baptism of water – 2
&
================
February 6, 2016
let these waters remind us
February 6, 2016
Come, refresh us
February 6, 2016
droplets of your mercy
February 6, 2016
you have been sealed
February 6, 2016
your healing waters flow
February 6, 2016
through water we are redeemed
edited February 6, 2016
Remember your baptism – v3
(editing version 2)
edited February 5, 2016
Remember your baptism – v2
February 5, 2016
Remember your baptism
February 5, 2016
Fire and Water work together - 2
edited February 4, 2016
the Spirit and Water – v4
(merging edits to version 2 and version 3)
February 3, 2016
Fire is added - 2
February 3, 2016
out of the waters - 2
edited February 3, 2016
God created – 2 – v2
February 3, 2016
God created - 2
February 2, 2016
the earth was birthed - 2
February 2, 2016
God, through Christ
February 2, 2016
God created light - 2
February 2, 2016
the flames within us
February 2, 2016
in our baptism of water
January 20, 2016
fire and water work together
January 17, 2016
never before
January 17, 2016
understanding
January 17, 2016
all of a sudden
January 17, 2016
unveiling our eyes
edited January 14, 2016
The Spirit and Water – v3
(editing original)
edited January 11, 2016
The Spirit and Water – v2
January 10, 2016
The Spirit and Water
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
Psalm 29
Acts 8:14-17
and sermon, “Fire and Water ”
text:
video:
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Children’s Message from Mystery Box
by Pastor Ruth Foss
praise song  - “Hear Our Praises”
praise song – “You Deserve the Glory”
praise songs - "We Will Dance", "Blessed Assurance", and "Glory and Honor", all together
offertory – “Your Love Oh Lord”
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
January 10, 2016
======================
&
January 8, 2017
My Chosen One
January 8, 2017
remembering my baptism
January 8, 2017
Water and Fire
edited January 8, 2017
life-giving fire – v2
January 8, 2017
life-giving fire
January 8, 2017
Spirit of fire – v2
January 8, 2017
Spirit of fire
January 8, 2017
You are God’s Beloved
January 8, 2017
temples of fire
January 8, 2017
Fire added
January 8, 2017
the life you birthed in us
January 8, 2017
This was God’s Servant
January 8, 2017
coming to the Jordan
January 8, 2017
I can’t baptize you
edited January 8, 2017
Cherished of God – v2
January 7, 2017
Cherished of God
January 7, 2017
His cousin standing before him
January 7, 2017
Baptizing  Christ
January 7, 2017
Baptizing Jesus
January 7, 2017
taking God into his arms
January 7, 2017
Cherished and Beloved
January 7, 2017
more than a prophet
January 8, 2017
Stetson Memorial UMC
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
Sermon Series:
 “Becoming You. . . ”
Adapted from Marcia McPhee’
“Who Are You?” Sermon Series
Isaiah 42:1-9
Matthew 3:13-17
Acts 10:34-43
and sermon, “Cherished, Favored, and Loved. . . ”
text
video
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Children’s Message – mystery box
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 8, 2017
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
&
January 7, 2017
prisoners of Christ – v2
January 7, 2017
being vessels, servants
January 7, 2017
prisoners of Christ
edited January 7, 2017
offering our witness – 2 – v2
January 7, 2017
offering our witness - 2
edited January 7, 2017
like seeds of the Sower – v2
January 7, 2017
within the alabaster
January 7, 2017
like jars of alabaster
January 7, 2017
our jars of alabaster
January 7, 2017
scattering our gifts
January 7, 2017
showering our gifts
edited January 7, 2017
breaking open our lives – v2
January 7, 2017
breaking open our lives
January 7, 2017
breaking open the bottles
January 7, 2017
laying our gifts at Christ’s feet
January 6, 2017
like seeds of the Sower
Epiphany Day / Three Kings Day
January 6, 2017
like gifts of the Magi
Epiphany Day / Three Kings Day
January 6, 2017
we share our stories of faith
edited January 6, 2017
Ignore the world – v2
edited January 6, 2017
becoming who God says we are – v2
Epiphany Day / Three Kings Day
edited January 6, 2017
treasure we carry – v3
Epiphany Day / Three Kings Day
edited January 6, 2017
treasure we carry – v2
January 6, 2017
treasure we carry
Epiphany Day / Three Kings Day
January 6, 2017
redistribute grace
January 6, 2017
grace is entrusted to us
January 6, 2017
we hold grace
edited January 6, 2017
who are we really – 2 – v2
January 5, 2017
a new revelation
January 5, 2017
becoming who God says we are
January 5, 2017
our identity in Christ
January 5, 2017
Do we know
January 5, 2017
Ignore the world
January 5, 2017
who are we really – 2
January 4, 2017
a journey to discover
edited January 4, 2017
who are we really – v2
January 4, 2017
who are we really
January 4, 2017
who we are in Christ
edited January 3, 2017
yoked to one another – v2
January 3, 2017
yoked to one another
edited January 3, 2017
Doing more together – v2
January 3, 2017
Doing more together
January 3, 2017
Too much for us to carry
January 3, 2017
Let’s Do This Together – v2
January 3, 2017
Let’s Do This Together
January 3, 2017
We are commissioned
January 3, 2017
God will dwell with us
January 2, 2017
Their Reward
January 2, 2017
we celebrate the Magi
January 2, 2017
Doing more
January 2, 2017
Saving more
January 2, 2017
Grace is given - 3
January 2, 2017
Let’s bring them
January 2, 2017
maybe this year
January 1, 2017
Let’s share the message
January 1, 2017
we can do this together
January 1, 2017
not sitting silent, doing
January 1, 2017
Stetson Memorial UMC
Epiphany of the Lord Sunday
New Year’s Day
Sermon Series:
 “Becoming You. . . ”
Adapted from Marcia McPhee’
“Who Are You?” Sermon Series
Psalm 8 NKJV
Revelation 21:1-6 CEB
Ephesians 3:1-12 CEB
Matthew 2:9-10 NIV
and sermon, “Let’s Do This. . . !”
text
video
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Children’s Message – tissue in mystery box
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 1, 2017
Epiphany of the Lord Sunday
New Years Day

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 42,950 of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ, God, Spirit, grace, love, faith, Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, journey, cherished, beloved, Psalm 27, Isaiah6, Matthew 4, 1 Corinthians 1,calling, baptism, sermon,

 

#sermon #Christ #God #Spirit #grace #love #journey #beloved #Isaiah6 #Psalm27 #Matthew4 #1Corinthians1 #calling

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Christ, God, Spirit, grace, love, faith, Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, journey, cherished, beloved, Isaiah 43, Psalm 40, John 1, 1 Corinthians 1, favored, baptism,

#Christ #God #Spirit #grace #love #journey #cherished #beloved #Isaiah43 #Psalm40 #John1 #1Corinthians1

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Christ, God, Spirit, grace, love, faith, Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, journey, Isaiah 42, Matthew 3, Acts 10, cherished, favored, loved, baptism of the Lord, baptism,

#Christ #God #Spirit #grace #love #baptism #journey #Isaiah42 #Matthew3 #Acts10 #cherished #favored #loved #BaptismoftheLord

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Christ, God, Spirit, grace, love, Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, Advent, Christmas, hope, peace, sacred, joy, Ephesians  3, Revelations 21, Psalm 8, Epiphany, Magi, journey,

#Christ #God #Spirit #grace #love #hope #Advent #Christmas #peace #sacred #joy #Epiphany #Ephesians3

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