Poetry Where You Live

Christ is God

2012-01-31T17:15:00.002-05:00

No question, no doubt, about his authority
his power to speak a new teaching
to cast the demon out.
Christ is God, it is as plain as that
more than any other prophet
able to speak the word of God
because he was the Word made flesh.

January 31, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,250+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Their lives a vessel

2012-01-31T17:09:00.001-05:00

A metaphor for their calling
something we should aspire to
the way God used the prophets
to fill his people, to offer them his words
their lives a vessel, to share that blessing
God’s words to the people
his light unto the world.

January 31, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,240+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

They mouths as a cup

2012-01-31T17:03:00.001-05:00

The prophets mere vessels
to be filled with the words of God
their mouths like cups
filled with that blessing
the messages for the people
those who had feared his presences
needing their interface
Their lives, their mouths,
the words poured out
just as God had spoken
the words of God given,
giving by them in love.

January 31, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,240+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Their Authority spoken to them

2012-01-31T16:57:00.001-05:00

The prophets empty vessels
open to God
being filled with God’s words
to be spoke to us
Their authority spoken to them
the very word of God
speaking truth to the people
from the mouth of God.

January 31, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,240+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

They Spoke God’s Word

2012-01-31T16:52:00.001-05:00

The prophets, from their mouths
speaking the word of God
what he had given for us.
Exactly what God said for them to speak,
otherwise sure death,
the prophets needing to speak
the words that God said.

January 31, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,240+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

He is God

2012-01-31T16:46:00.004-05:00

He came to earth,
at a moment in time,
here for a purpose
to share the Word of God.
Yet not in the past tense,
to say Christ was God,
bound by a limit,
the time he was on earth.
Christ is God
from the beginning of time,
the first-born of creation,
the lamb upon the throne.

January 31, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,240+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

He was God

2012-01-31T16:42:00.000-05:00

Christ’s authority, his person,
because He was God.
Come here for a purpose,
to share the love of God.

Unbound by convention,
free to speak boldly,
Christ taught them a new teaching
one from the mouth of God.

January 31, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,240+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Believing in God’s Word

2012-01-31T16:34:00.002-05:00

Knowing the word is not enough.
We must go further.
We must believe in God’s word,
the source of our witness.

Our charge from heaven
spoken by Christ here,
to share our witness boldly,
throughout the whole world.

We are a message
written by the hand of God,
sent to be shared richly,
a light for the world.

January 31, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,240+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Knowing God’s Word

2012-01-31T14:47:00.001-05:00

The nature of our authority
to go out into the world
knowing God’s word
the spoken word of God.
Speaking life into being
holding us in his hand
sending us the Savior
to heal this tired land.
God’s word still speaking
from this we too can speak
a word, a song, of healing
to share with this earth.

January 31, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,240+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

by the authority

2012-01-31T14:15:00.001-05:00

May we be fruitful,
bold in our action
using the authority given
by the authority over
the land, the world, the garden
to be good stewards
of our gifts, our talents,
serving in the vineyards
the fields of this world.

January 31, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,240+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Years in the Whale

2012-01-31T13:41:00.001-05:00

Maybe Jonah got off easy
only three days in the whale,
for failing to follow God’s call,
going the other way.
Many, perhaps most,
lost, living as prodigals
years in the whale
the belly of the beast.
Lost, wandering,
away from our Father, God
needing a way back to him
to return home again.
This is our call, our duty
when we someone astray
stepping in at those moments,
showing another way.

January 31, 2012
Worship Theme – “The time has come”
Mark 1:14-20 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (NRSV)
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Call to Worship (Psalm 62:5-7)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Psalm 62:5-12))
Psalm 100:2, Psalm 118:24 (Hymn, “He Has Made Me Glad”)
Exodus 3:5 (Hymn, “Holy Ground”
Hymn, “Onward, Christian Soldiers”
Isaiah 55:12 (Hymn, “The Trees of the Field”)
and sermon, “What time is it”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Third Sunday after Epiphany
January 22, 2012

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 15,240+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Earning Grace

2012-01-31T12:59:00.001-05:00

Something about his letters,
the choices that he made,
something understandable,
yet puzzling nonetheless.
Paul sought to teach us
more than anyone else
the love of God, forgiveness
grace above all else.
Yet Paul, in his living,
appearing to disbelief
driven, with a purpose,
falling to his knees.
His life a paradox
juxtaposing grace
with a driven sense of calling
as if he had to earn God’s grace.

January 31, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,240+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

all the authority

2012-01-31T12:17:00.001-05:00

an illusion, a myth,
the idea of a self-made man,
the notion of all this
all the authority
the power only in God
we are but bits of clay
grass of this earth
God has the authority
the power to create
he has given just a bit
and we have blown that.

January 31, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,230+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Death in the Garden

2012-01-31T12:07:00.000-05:00

Not dying a physical death
as if it was poison
yet as when Christ took the cup
putting it to his lips.
Here in the garden
Eve ate of the fruit
giving some to Adam
in this they both died.
Death in the garden
listening to the world.
The snake but an instrument,
ignoring the will of God.
God’s meaning true,
in eating the fruit they died.
All of us who follow,
to the end of the age,
like them placed in bondage,
chains of our making,
needing the grace of God.

January 31, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,230+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Serpent questioned God

2012-01-31T11:59:00.002-05:00

The serpent spoke out of turn
leading the people astray
away from relationship with God
something we pay for today.
The serpent questioned God
God’s authority over Eve
telling her she would not die,
words that would deceive
causing us spiritual death
estrangement from God
the source of all that is
the potter, creator, God.

January 31, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,230+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Ignoring God's Authority

2012-01-31T11:49:00.003-05:00

Eve in the garden,
turning from God,
listening to the snake
ignoring God’s authority
casting them both out
Adam complicit
because he should have stopped
listening to God’s words
the voice from on high
God’s authority still present
even when we turn
when we questions his commands
when we listen to the world.

January 31, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,230+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
\

Authority

2012-01-31T11:40:00.002-05:00

Who has authority
from where does it derive
who controls us
power over our lives?

We are our masters
only in our freedom
free to choose
to turn our backs on God.

God is the potter
our lives in our hands
the prophets who spoke for him
a message from God.

Sending Christ Jesus
his only Son
his words, authority
for he was the One.

January 31, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,230+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Our rebirth – v3

2012-01-31T10:55:00.003-05:00

Our rebirth, new life
from the holy waters
baptism of fire, of the Spirit
descending upon, in fingers of flame,
walking differently, with him,
our Shepherd, our brother
filled by the Spirit of Christ
Our rebirth
transformation, renewal
filled with gifts of that Spirit
a fire kindled within us
wanting to burn out of control
wanting us to serve joyfully
where God would send us
going with a blessing,
commissioned, sent
out into the world

edited January 31, 2012
(there were 109 page views of “Our rebirth” between 1/11 and 1/31)
January 11, 2012
Worship Theme – “Water and Spirit”
Mark 1:4-11 God’s WORD Translation (GW)
Genesis 1:1-5 Common English Bible (CEB)
Acts 19:1-7 Common English Bible (CEB)
Call to Worship (Psalm 29:1-4 NRSV Bible)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Psalm 29))
Reaffirmation of Baptismal Covenant
hymn, “When Jesus came to Jordan”, UMH #252
Matthew 3:13-17
Luke 3:21-22
Mark 1:9-11
and sermon, “Water and Baptism”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
First Sunday after Epiphany/Baptism of the Lord Sunday
January 8, 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 15,230+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

moving ahead in the dark

2012-01-31T08:37:00.002-05:00

so true, in the telling
a story, a metaphor for life,
moving ahead in the dark
one light to guide us,
the love of God,
the message of Christ
one light to lead us
as we struggle in life
one hope for tomorrow
for a future with God

January 31, 2012
Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)
Isaiah 40:21-31
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 30, 2012 to February 5, 2012,
“Rediscovering God’s Presence”
by Dion Forsten
scripture and meditation for January 31, 2012
read January 31, 2012
&
Isaiah 40:21-28 (NIV)
Isaiah 40:21-31
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 30, 2012 to February 5, 2012,
“Rediscovering God’s Presence”
by Dion Forsten
scripture and meditation for January 30, 2012
read January 30, 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 15,230+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

He sits enthroned

2012-01-31T08:29:00.002-05:00

God sits enthroned
far above the circle of the earth
the dome, the waters
almighty, presence.
People are like grasshoppers,
like grass of the fields
a breath, an instant
in God do we fear.

January 31, 2012
Isaiah 40:22
Isaiah 40:21-28
Isaiah 40:21-31
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 30, 2012 to February 5, 2012,
“”
by Dion Forsten
scripture and meditation for January 30, 2012
read January 30, 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 15,230+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Robed in authority

2012-01-30T19:17:00.002-05:00

May we go out
into your world
robed in authority
in the words that were written
living messages of God.
Sent for a purpose
to spread God’s holy message
a nation, a people,
sent out into the world

January 30, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,230+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

in the authority given us

2012-01-30T19:12:00.003-05:00

Let us go forth
out of our study, our worship
wearing the authority given us
to speak God’s message
to be a message ourselves
authentic, worthy
may we remember others are watching
as we go out into the world.

January 30, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,230+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ speaks with power

2012-01-30T19:05:00.001-05:00

Through the words of scripture,
the ancient text,
through the Spirit’s leading
providing no rest.

Christ speaks with power
to his sheep, leading us on
not to sleep.

Candles lit, ready to share
a fire burning
none to spare.

January 30, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,230+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ spoke with Power

2012-01-30T18:58:00.003-05:00

His name alone,
The Word Made Flesh,
Messiah, Savior,
all of this as well.
Christ spoke with power,
because that is what he is
the power come to earth
God in the flesh.

January 30, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,230+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

He spoke with power

2012-01-30T18:53:00.001-05:00

Christ is God, come to save us
an urgency to his mission,
nothing left to chance.
He spoke with passion, with power
a new teaching, casting out demons.
No time to waste,
the kingdom is at hand.

January 30, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,230+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

who gives us the right

2012-01-30T17:27:00.002-05:00

God, God alone,
he is the one who gives us the right
the power, the authority
to speak, to do
to carry his message
love, to the world
hope in that song
that anthem of hope
the song, the fire within us
lifting us up
Christ, our Savior
he alone

January 30, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,230+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

With Thanks

2012-01-30T17:13:00.003-05:00

Entering worship
with a heart grateful
with thanks coming
into your presence
thankful within
my whole heart
searching for you
wanting to start

January 30, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,220+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Our rebirth – v2

2012-01-30T15:28:00.001-05:00

Our rebirth
from the holy waters
baptism of fire
walking differently, with him,
our Shepherd, our brother
filled by the Spirit of Christ
Our rebirth
transformation
filled with the gifts of that Spirit
a fire kindled within us
wanting to burn out of control
wanting us to serve joyfully
where God would send us
going with a blessing,
commissioned,sent
out into the world

edited January 30, 2012
(there were 89 page views of “Our rebirth” between 1/11 and 1/30)
January 11, 2012
Worship Theme – “Water and Spirit”
Mark 1:4-11 God’s WORD Translation (GW)
Genesis 1:1-5 Common English Bible (CEB)
Acts 19:1-7 Common English Bible (CEB)
Call to Worship (Psalm 29:1-4 NRSV Bible)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Psalm 29))
Reaffirmation of Baptismal Covenant
hymn, “When Jesus came to Jordan”, UMH #252
Matthew 3:13-17
Luke 3:21-22
Mark 1:9-11
and sermon, “Water and Baptism”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
First Sunday after Epiphany/Baptism of the Lord Sunday
January 8, 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 15,220+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Holy is His Name

2012-01-30T14:13:00.001-05:00

They were amazed
by the teaching, the healing,
that Christ could speak like this
with authority, with power.
They marveled,
unbelieving, that he
could cast out demons.

Holy is his name,
the living Son of God
come to save his people,
God’s love come down.
The Word made flesh
the kingdom drawn near.
Come and see, believe and hear.

January 30, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,220+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Alive with God's Power

2012-01-30T14:02:00.001-05:00

His life, his presence
the living Son of God
come to save the earth
to bring us back to Him.
To gather in the children
the wayward, lost sheep
alive with God’s power
in his arms our relief.

Christ was the One
the prophets long foretold
the risen Savior, seated
now on the throne.
He came to save us
to bring us back to God
authority and power
in the living Lamb of God.

January 30, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,220+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

#f

Authority in His Name

2012-01-30T13:55:00.001-05:00

The authority of Jesus,
the power to heal,
to bring us close to God
to rise from our knees,
the authority within him
in his holy name
the Messiah, the Son of God
blessed is his name

January 30, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,220+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Sermon - "The Question of Authority", by Pastor Ruth Foss, Suncook United Methodist Church, January 29, 2012

2012-01-30T09:03:00.000-05:00

January 29, 2012
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Worship Theme: The Nature of Authority
Psalm 111:1-3, 10 NRSV Bible
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 NRSV Bible
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 NRSV Bible
Mark 1:21-28 NRSV Bible

“The Question of Authority”

Good morning. . . I love listening to kids talk. . . ok, argue with one another. There is a lot to learn as we “listen in” from the outside. One thing I have heard them say. . . and yes I have actually used this phrase before. . . ”Who died and made you boss. . . ?” or “You’re not the boss of me. . . I don’t have to listen to you!”. . . I know that you must have heard the same type of statements at one point or another in your life. . . and might have even used them yourself. . . It’s all about authority and who has it over us and who do we have it over them. Well this has got me thinking about authority itself. . . who decides who has the authority and why do people misuse it from time to time?

All we have to do these days is pick up the news paper or turn on the television and we hear about people in power. . . some doing good, but we hear mostly about those who abuse their “power of authority.” Society is the one who puts them in authority through elections and such but it is the very same society that they are abusing. . . the same people who put them in the “seat of authority.” But the question of authority has been with us all the way back in the Garden of Eden. The serpent questioned God’s authority over Eve as he told her that God was mistaken and death would not happen if she ate the “forbidden fruit”. . . she was made to feel that God was being unfair to the tenders of the Garden and she decided to ignore God’s authority over her and eat the fruit. . . the serpent was right though, she didn’t die a physical death but a spiritual one that affected all humanity after, I guess the serpent left out that part of his story. . .

Last week we talked about how the time has come. . . the kingdom of God is near. . . nearer than we realize I think. . . we need to be out doing the “Kingdoms Work” in the world. But by whose authority are we empowered to do such a thing. . . who gives us the right to do this. . . who is the one who really has all the authority? My pray is that as we look at the “question of authority” we may be emboldened. . . by the authority over all to be workers in the vineyard.

We have already heard about the authority of the prophet in the Deuteronomy scripture and the authority of the Christian in the 1st Corinthians scripture. . . now let’s look at what the Bible says about Jesus’ authority. I am reading from the Gospel of Mark and the passage is found in chapter 1 verses 21-28. . . I’ll be reading from the NRSV Bible and if you would like to follow along in the pew bible it is found on page 910. (Read Scripture)

Jesus spoke with authority! He was God come down in human form and spoke with the authority of God. . . this was something new and never before did anyone speak in such a way. . .

OK. . . authority. . . let’s look at what makes up authority. . .
1. Kinds of authority- The prophet’s kind was the knowledge of God. God spoke through them and gave them the authority to say what they did. . . they were speaking on god’s behalf. The Christians authority is in knowing God’s word and what it tells us. . . but knowing is only half of the equation, believing in God’s word makes up the other half. And Jesus’ authority was His identity. . . He was God!
2. Characteristics of authority - The prophet was and still is today their obedience to God. They were obedient to what God said to them. They followed exactly what God said for them to say. They didn’t let society tell them what to say. The characteristic of the Christian is they are given liberty. . . freedom that can be seen from all that are round them. And with Jesus. . . well He was the source of authority and it was seen in the way He lived His life. . . He lived a sinless life that only God Himself could do. Now here’s the best part. . .
3. Who has authority – Jesus has the authority because of His deity. . . the unclean spirit knew who He was. . . it knew He was God incarnate. The prophet has the authority through God’s word. They speak directly from God’s mouth to others. . . not just the written word but the actual words of God! And we, as Christians, have the authority because of our knowledge of God. We can share and speak of God because we know His word. . . we study His word. . . we can relay His word to others. . . What an HONOR! We have been given the authority by God. . . we are given the authority to work in the vineyard and help with god’s agenda. . . but it’s not a right. . . it’s a gift and a privilege. . .

Now the question of authority. . . we, as Christians, have the authority from God to speak the truth found in His word. . . we have the authority to follow Jesus’ teachings and teach others a new and better way of life. . . we have the authority, as beloved children, to speak on our Fathers behalf. But authority does come at a cost. As you may see in the workplace there are people who don’t like the people in authority. . . even though they may be nice and all that it is because they have authority they are not liked. There are also others who are in authority that abuse that authority and take advantage of others. What we do with authority is even more important than the authority itself. What we don’t do even though we have the authority is just as important.

Beloved sons and daughters. . . have you embraced the authority that has been given you? Have you trusted in that authority and done “great things for the Kingdom of God”. . . even “little things for the Kingdom of God”. . . remember, there is no such thing a small thing in the kingdom of God, every little bit counts as we all do our little part it adds to the little parts of others making a BIG thing happen? Have you abused your authority in some way? It’s not too late to change your view. . . your vision of authority. With God’s help, may we all use our authority wisely and with compassion as Jesus did. . . may we trust in the authority given us so that we may step out in faith on the waters of society and follow the One in whom we are given all authority and follow His example. . . the example of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ. The Kingdom of God is nearer than we think. . . let us go out in the authority given us and be doers not just hearers of the word.

Amen!

January 30, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,220+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Alive with God’s Word

2012-01-30T08:57:00.001-05:00

Christ different, great,
than all who had come before
the Messiah, God’s prophet,
come down to earth.

Authority from heaven,
alive with God’s Word
sent to save us
life evermore.

Christ came from heaven
Alive with God’s power,
authority from heaven,
life after life.

Speaking himself,
God’s Word made flesh
come down to save us,
greater than the rest.

January 30, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,220+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ has the Power

2012-01-30T08:22:00.002-05:00

Christ came from heaven
he has the power,
the authority from God
Speaking himself,
the Word made flesh
come down to save us,
greater than the rest.

January 30, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,220+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The prophet’s authority

2012-01-29T20:55:00.001-05:00

We know from the telling,
the stories in the bible,
the power of their witness,
speaking for the potter,
speaking words given
their authority in their knowledge
in the words of God
given to them to convey,
to share with us a message
to save us someday.

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

with the authority of God

2012-01-29T20:48:00.001-05:00

Because of who he is,
the living Son of God,
Christ’s teaching different
speaking with power,
the authority of God
words of love spoken
to them in that hour.
Reverberating through the years
ripples through the ages
in this we know God
the author of the pages

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Shriek of the Demon

2012-01-29T20:31:00.001-05:00

The stillness of the synagogue
a place of prayer, of teaching,
shattered by the stirrings,
the fit of the man with demons.
What must they have seen
what had they truly heard
the pain of the spirit
confronted by Jesus,
the One, the Son,
the living lamb of God
with power, authority
calling the demon out.
The shriek of the demon
convulsing this poor neighbor
what must the people have thought
when Christ cast the demon out?

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Jesus’ Authority is His Identity

2012-01-29T20:05:00.002-05:00

The source of his power
the reason he was different,
more than any prophet,
the Messiah, the Christ.
Jesus’ authority,
the source of his wisdom,
his abilities to heal the sick,
his power over life.
All of this was grounded,
in his identity, his person
Jesus is the Christ
the living Son of God.

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

God spoke through them

2012-01-29T19:54:00.002-05:00

Not predicting a future,
not soothsayers, sages,
the prophets of the people
served God’s purpose;
God spoke through them
servants of his purpose
sharing with the people
the living words of God.

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

He was the source of authority

2012-01-29T19:35:00.000-05:00

God here with us,
the Messiah, the Christ,
Jesus more than a prophet
He is our God.
He was the source of authority,
authentic power.
He came to save
in this troubled hour.
Amazing the people,
casting the demons out,
God here with us,
the Messiah, the Christ.

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Jesus spoke with authority

2012-01-29T17:51:00.001-05:00

Jesus spoke with authority,
more than the rabbis, the prophets
even more than Moses,
the first-born of creation,
God everlasting, the Messiah, the Savior
God’s own Son, come from heaven
to show us his love.

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

sending your Son Jesus

2012-01-29T17:11:00.001-05:00

After the prophets,
beginning with Moses,
God sent his Son, Jesus
to this earth.
His mission here,
to set us free, to open our eyes,
that we may believe.
We are the children
the descendants of these people
come in our time
to set the captives free
by sharing our witness
the testimony of Jesus
to walk ever
in God’s unending light
we are the ones
who others look to
to see what it means
to claim the name Christian,
watching if we are faithful
if we are righteous
if our words match our deeds

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

to open our eyes

2012-01-29T17:05:00.000-05:00

Why God sent Jesus
not just another prophet
our eyes blind, unwilling to see
Christ came to heal us
to open our eyes
to cast out the demons
healing us of our blindness
giving us eyes to see
the majesty of our creator
how he wants to hold us near
the kingdom come, near to the earth
God sent Jesus, to give us new birth

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

They feared God

2012-01-29T16:45:00.001-05:00

The Israeli people were
freed from bondage
escaping from Egypt
by the hand of God
walking in the desert
under the cloud by day
the fire by night
yet they feared God
not wanting to see his light
his power, his might
only Moses, the prophet
the prophets who would follow
they alone, speaking God’s message
aglow with God’s presence
they alone guiding
God’s people, timid

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,200+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

too much for your people

2012-01-29T16:30:00.001-05:00

the sheep, your people,
lost in the desert,
released from bondage,
yet failing to believe.
needing a shepherd, a guide,
a prophet speaking to them
your presence, your light
too much for your people.

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,200+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

your awesome presence

2012-01-29T16:25:00.001-05:00

Your face, your light,
your awesome presence, oh God
too much for the people
your power over us.
Knowing our lowliness
afraid to come before you.
Needing a prophet,
an intermediary,
someone to come before you
to share your word
your guidance with us.

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,200+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

nearer than we realize

2012-01-29T15:35:00.001-05:00

Christ was foretold,
the prophet, the Messiah,
come to save the people
the many people of God.
He was to come,
the kingdom to draw near.
The kingdom is near,
nearer than we realize.
We must be about the work,
the mission for our lives.
God gives us the power,
the authority we need,
sending us out to serve
if we only will believe.

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,200+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

we are empowered

2012-01-29T15:27:00.000-05:00

God gives us authority,
we are empowered,
to serve within
the kingdom work.
We are given
what is needed,
the authority, the words
the tools for the work.

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,200+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

we may be emboldened

2012-01-29T14:58:00.000-05:00

May we join with the prophets
the disciples, apostles,
all the saints, the people
who have gone before us.
We may be emboldened
when we stand on Jesus
the rock, our Messiah
the prophet foretold.
We can stand ready
going into the vineyard.
We can be workers
of our Lord and God.

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,200+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

who has authority over us

2012-01-29T14:29:00.001-05:00

We walk through life,
shackled by free will,
able to choose,
which way to fulfill.
We are masters,
at one level;
God has authority
on our future.
If we choose poorly,
if we do not follow
our life a breath
as the blades of grass.
We will stand
before his judgment.
Which will we choose?
Where will we stand?

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,200+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

You are the cause of their death

2012-01-29T14:16:00.001-05:00

We stand as if we are not complicit
we act as if there is no result,
choosing which laws to follow,
casting the other ones out.
It is true that we are freed
because Christ paid the price
but not all believers understand this
and our actions may cast them out.

You are the cause of their death,
their fall from holy grace,
if they are led away by your action
using the freedom in this way.
If we fail to be mindful,
of weak believers who may be watching
they may be destroyed by our own actions
in liberty taken for granted.

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,200+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

you sin against Christ

2012-01-29T14:05:00.001-05:00

Our calling is to be faithful
even to follow the law
though we have been freed of it
cleaving to that word.
We should be faithful
to the laws of God
as if we are bound by our works
not freed by God’s grace.
For some are still believing
that each of the laws applies
and if we deny fail to follow
some of them me go astray.
We sin against Christ
when we cause them to fall
because by our example
we can follow the law.
Yes we are freed of these constraints
by the ransom of Christ
yet we should still walk faithful
bring more to Christ.

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,200+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Be careful with that liberty

2012-01-29T13:57:00.001-05:00

You are freed from the law
but be careful how you act
prudent with that liberty
mindful of who is watching,
that others may fall
stumble in their walk
be careful how you walk
that other may not fall
destroyed before the word
on that judgment
mindful of their life
which you hold today

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,200+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

I will put the word in the mouth of the prophet

2012-01-29T13:43:00.001-05:00

The Lord has blessed the people
beginning with Moses,
continuing to Jesus.
God spoke to them
directly to the people
yet they asked for a prophet
for someone to lead them.
God spoke clearly,
“I will put my words
in the mouth of the prophet,”
you must listen.
This was the model,
down through Jesus,
God’s word spoken,
shared by the prophet.

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,190+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

I will raise up a prophet

2012-01-29T13:27:00.001-05:00

As he did with Moses
on the heights of Mount Horeb,
radiant, descending in a cloud,
God promised, “I will raise up a prophet”,
that you will not be lost,
so you will know the way.
This was the living promise,
the covenant of God,
to never leave us,
to give us a guide.
Words of instruction,
from the mouth of God,
will be spoken to my people.
My prophets will speak my words
and guide my people home.

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,190+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

from among your people

2012-01-29T13:13:00.001-05:00

The hope of God’s people,
in the promise of God,
to never leave them,
to never leave them alone.

God will raise up a prophet,
another to lead them,
from among your people,
the living people of God.

Never to leave them,
this was the promise of God,
a prophet to guide them,
to speak the word of God.

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,190+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Unclean Spirit

2012-01-29T13:03:00.001-05:00

The unclean spirit
knew Christ’s authority,
shouting out his name,
the Holy One of God.
Rebuked by a word,
the word of the Christ,
the spirit fled, cast out,
out into the world.

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,190+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

astounded at his teaching

2012-01-29T12:58:00.002-05:00

They were amazed,
astounded at his teaching,
speaking with power
deep from within.

He was so different
something different
from the rabbis,
from all who had gone before.

He spoke with power
authority in his teaching
something far different
from Jesus, the Christ.

He was blessed, holy,
somehow the people knew,
even the evil spirit,
proclaiming him the Christ
cast out in an instant
by the power of his might.

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,190+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

as one having authority

2012-01-29T08:38:00.000-05:00

Christ was so different than the rabbis
those who spoke from scripture,
the traditions of the people,
interpreting the meaning.

Christ spoke with power,
teaching, from the beginning,
as one having authority,
speaking the word of God.

He didn’t need cue cards,
no scrolls, nothing,
the words written within him,
for he spoke with power,
a message of God’s love.

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,190+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

He taught them

2012-01-29T08:30:00.001-05:00

We can only imagine what it was like
to sit at the feet of Jesus.
We can only read the words,
what the disciples have written down.
There is power in the spare words they used.
Shock on the faces of the people,
as he spoke with power, as he cast out the spirit,
what it must have been like
as Christ taught them directly,
a message of God’ s love.

January 29, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,190+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

I believe, help my unbelief

2012-01-29T08:08:00.001-05:00

In the miraculous, in the immense
in the subtle, the minute,
this is how God reveals himself.
This is how Christ taught.
Amazing signs, words from within,
preaching in a new way,
promising we may live.
I believe, oh Lord, I believe in the Christ.
Help me in my unbelief,
when I stray wayward, in myself.
Guide me closer to you,
cleaving to your Word.
Teaching me to believe,
I want to know your heart.

January 29, 2012
Mark 9:24
&
Mark 1:23-28 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 29, 2012
read January 28, 2012
reread January 29, 2012
&
Mark 1:21-22 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 28, 2012
read January 28, 2012
&
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 24, 2012
read January 24, 2012
&
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 23, 2012
read January 23, 2012

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 15,190+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Not a learned teaching

2012-01-29T07:34:00.001-05:00

Riveting, with passion,
the reports of Christ,
not a learned teaching,
he was speaking with authority.
Christ in the synagogue,
at the beginning of his mission,
teaching from his heart,
a message from the Father.

January 29, 2012
Mark 1:23-28 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 29, 2012
read January 28, 2012
reread January 29, 2012
&
Mark 1:21-22 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 28, 2012
read January 28, 2012
&
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 24, 2012
read January 24, 2012
&
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 23, 2012
read January 23, 2012

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 15,190+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

clear, simple, concise

2012-01-29T07:30:00.001-05:00

The words Christ used
to heal the people,
to cast out demons,
to proclaim the kingdom
were not oblique.
They were clear, simple,
concise, speaking with power,
a new revelation from
a new prophet for us.

January 29, 2012
Mark 1:23-28 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 29, 2012
read January 28, 2012
reread January 29, 2012
&
Mark 1:21-22 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 28, 2012
read January 28, 2012
&
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 24, 2012
read January 24, 2012
&
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 23, 2012
read January 23, 2012

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 15,190+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A new word of praise, Hallelujah – v2

2012-01-28T20:56:00.002-05:00

We rise to worship,
oh, yes, we rise,
to praise the Lord,
a hallelujah, a word
to shake the world.

A new word of praise,
rising within me,
to heal my neighbors,
hope to the nations
in the coming of Christ.

We rise, we sing
one people, one body,
a new word of praise,
glory, hallelujah,
to Christ our King.

January 28, 2012
Psalm 111
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 25, 2012
read January 25, 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 15,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A new word of praise, Hallelujah

2012-01-28T20:47:00.001-05:00

We rise to worship,
to praise the Lord,
a hallelujah
to shake the world.

A new word of praise,
rising within me,
hope to the nations
in the coming of Christ.

We rise, we sing
a new word of praise,
glory, hallelujah,
to Christ our King.

January 28, 2012
Psalm 111
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 25, 2012
read January 25, 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 15,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Where is our authority

2012-01-28T20:21:00.001-05:00

When we speak of the Word,
our lives a witness,
we stand with Christ.

Some may ask,
where is our authority?
How can we speak?
Who do we think we are?

We can answer,
we can speak.
God gives us words to preach,
to share, to the ends of the earth.

Our hope is in God,
in his promise, his light,
shining bright, even still today.

January 28, 2012
Mark 1:23-28 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 29, 2012
read January 28, 2012
&
Mark 1:21-22 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 28, 2012
read January 28, 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 15,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The sense of the Unseen – v2

2012-01-28T19:14:00.001-05:00

Something more out there;
but I know not what it is.
I have a certainty there is,
what we know but cannot see.
What is there still,
the sense of the unseen,
knowing something beyond is there.
The root of our faith,
all which we believe in,
is in the sense of the unseen.
This sense, gives us sight,
a passion, the fire,
to get up off our seat,
to go as we are led,
the faith to simply believe.

January 28, 2012
part of a series of poems,
based on the idea that there are several other senses
besides the sense of Taste, Touch, Hearing, Sight, Smell –
including the sense of Wonder, Beauty, Peace, God’s Presence,
and even the sense of Magic
&
poem, “Recapturing a sense of wonder”,
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/01/recapturing-sense-of-wonder.html
January 26, 2012
Psalm 111
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 25, 2012
read January 25, 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 15,170+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

When I sin

2012-01-28T18:53:00.003-05:00

A crushing weight
the truth of my failing
washing over me
when I sin, when I rebel,
when I reject the word of God
turning from his path
the course for my life
spitting on my Savior’s face
as if driving in the nails
mired in my clay
turning from his grace

January 28, 2012
Mark 1:21-22 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 28, 2012
read January 28, 2012
&
1 Corinthians 8:7-13
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 27, 2012
read January 27, 2012
&
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 26, 2012
read January 26, 2012
&
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
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 15,180+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

When I refused to heed your words

2012-01-28T18:32:00.002-05:00

Even then, in the midst of my sin,
away from the congregation, the body
God there with me still
calling, with authority

His Spirit calling, “don’t!
Be faithful; turn from your sin
There when I refuse to heed your words
going my own way, selfish

Mindful, aware that I was wrong
yet choosing to disobey
freedom run amuck
no boundaries, bad choices
lost in excess, my sin

Disobeying my Savior
who died on the cross
as if I was driving another nail
like the others, spitting in his face

January 28, 2012
Mark 1:21-22 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 28, 2012
read January 28, 2012
&
1 Corinthians 8:7-13
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 27, 2012
read January 27, 2012
&
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 26, 2012
read January 26, 2012
&
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
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 15,180+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Compassionate healing

2012-01-28T18:22:00.001-05:00

Not always about the person
who is hurting, possessed by demons
the stories as much about
the authority of Jesus
We see him choosing
not abiding by rules
using compassion
to heal us of our sins
our illness, sickness
driving out the demons
all for God’s glory
a place for us in heaven

January 28, 2012
Mark 1:23-28 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 29, 2012
read January 28, 2012
&
Mark 1:21-22 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 28, 2012
read January 28, 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 15,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Sabbath Rules

2012-01-28T18:13:00.001-05:00

The healing of this man
casting out the demons
like so much of what we will see
in the way of Christ’s ministry
changing the rules
like the Sabbath rules on working
authority from heaven
not wisdom of the earth

January 28, 2012
Mark 1:23-28 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 29, 2012
read January 28, 2012
&
Mark 1:21-22 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 28, 2012
read January 28, 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 15,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Words of Authority

2012-01-28T18:07:00.001-05:00

Words of Authority
spoken by Christ
from his center, his nature
out of God’s love
Speaking to the demon
casting him out
restoring the person
with a clear message
God’s kingdom is here
Christ speaking with power
the authority to heal

January 28, 2012
Mark 1:23-28 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 29, 2012
read January 28, 2012
&
Mark 1:21-22 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 28, 2012
read January 28, 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 15,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Jesus’ Authority

2012-01-28T18:02:00.001-05:00

Power from God
Jesus’ authority on earth
to cast out the demon
to raise up the person
healing with a word
power from God
Jesus’ authority within him
to heal the whole world

January 28, 2012
Mark 1:23-28 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 29, 2012
read January 28, 2012
&
Mark 1:21-22 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 28, 2012
read January 28, 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 15,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

When I refuse to heed your words

2012-01-28T17:19:00.001-05:00

Even then, in the midst of my sin,
away from the congregation, the body
God there with me still
His Spirit calling, don’t!
be faithful, turn from your sin
there when I refuse to heed your words
going my own way, selfish
mindful, aware that I am wrong
yet choosing to disobey
freedom run amuck
no boundaries, bad choices
lost in excess, my sin
disobeying my Savior
who died on the cross
as if driving another nail
spitting in his face

January 28, 2012
Mark 1:21-22 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 28, 2012
read January 28, 2012
&
1 Corinthians 8:7-13
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 27, 2012
read January 27, 2012
&
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 26, 2012
read January 26, 2012
&
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
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 15,180+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Kingdom signs

2012-01-28T17:07:00.001-05:00

what Jesus said
what he did among the people
kingdom signs
for those who would witness
tearing down walls
new authority
power within him
given directly
given to Christ
by the word of God
embodying love
here with us
a glimpse of heaven
God’s holy plan
living out God’s message
washing us with love

January 28, 2012
Mark 1:23-28 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 29, 2012
read January 28, 2012
&
Mark 1:21-22 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 28, 2012
read January 28, 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 15,180+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

To dream heroic dreams – v3

2012-01-28T13:51:00.001-05:00

Men like Copernicus, Columbus,
John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan
able to see, a vision beyond our boundaries
out into that bright unknown

Not stuck in our current state
bound by dust, by a sense of decay
wanting a brighter day
a hope for a better tomorrow

To dream heroic dreams
come what may
fighting to rise above
our dust, our miry clay

With God as our compass
holding onto God’s rights
liberty, with justice, compassion
seeking a brighter tomorrow

In heroic dreams for America
restored, renewed
leading the way to that future
ever stronger, beyond the horizon before us

January 28, 2012
a phrase from Newt Gingrich’s interview
(taken from Ronald Reagan’s First Inaugural Address,
January 20, 1981;
read – http://www.dreamheroicdreams.com/reagan_words.aspx
see – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5cEhtge_BE)
with Greta Van Susteren
“On the Record”,
January 27, 2012
http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/on-the-record/2012/01/28/newt-prospect-president-gingrich-horrifying-washingtons-old-guard?page=3

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 15,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The sense of the Unseen

2012-01-28T13:20:00.002-05:00

Something more out there
the certainty there is
what we know but cannot see
what is there still
the sense of the unseen
knowing is there
the root of our faith
all which we believe in
the sense of the unseen
giving us sight
a passion, the fire
to get up off our seat
to go as we are led
to simply believe

January 28, 2012
part of a series of poems,
based on the idea that there are several other senses
besides the sense of Taste, Touch, Hearing, Sight, Smell –
including the sense of Wonder, Beauty, Peace, God’s Presence,
and even the sense of Magic
&
poem, “Recapturing a sense of wonder”,
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/01/recapturing-sense-of-wonder.html
January 26, 2012
Psalm 111
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 25, 2012
read January 25, 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 15,170+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The sense of Magic

2012-01-28T13:10:00.001-05:00

of wonder, of childishness
in the best way
how to explain the sense of Magic
of love unconditional
of hope everlasting
marveling at the littlest things
all the gifts of the Master

January 28, 2012
part of a series of poems,
based on the idea that there are several other senses
besides the sense of Taste, Touch, Hearing, Sight, Smell –
including the sense of Wonder, Beauty, Peace, God’s Presence,
and even the sense of Magic
&
poem, “Recapturing a sense of wonder”,
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/01/recapturing-sense-of-wonder.html
January 26, 2012
Psalm 111
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 25, 2012
read January 25, 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 15,170+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The sense of God’s Presence

2012-01-28T13:04:00.001-05:00

Knowing God is with us
walking beside us
no belief in coincidence
all about God’s presence
walking with us
calming our troubled spirits
living within us
lifting us up

There in the joys
the slack times, the struggles
crying with us, when we weep,
rising before us, preparing a path for us
the arms of the Father open
for each prodigal child
wooing us to heaven
walking by our side

January 28, 2012
part of a series of poems,
based on the idea that there are several other senses
besides the sense of Taste, Touch, Hearing, Sight, Smell –
including the sense of Wonder, Beauty, Peace, God’s Presence,
and even the sense of Magic
&
poem, “Recapturing a sense of wonder”,
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/01/recapturing-sense-of-wonder.html
January 26, 2012
Psalm 111
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 25, 2012
read January 25, 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 15,170+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The sense of Peace

2012-01-28T13:02:00.000-05:00

Sometimes elusive
struggling as we do
a sense of Peace, deeper
in the trying times too
within the storms, the furies
the chaos of this life
an inner peace, washing
love over this life

January 28, 2012
part of a series of poems,
based on the idea that there are several other senses
besides the sense of Taste, Touch, Hearing, Sight, Smell –
including the sense of Wonder, Beauty, Peace, God’s Presence,
and even the sense of Magic
&
poem, “Recapturing a sense of wonder”,
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/01/recapturing-sense-of-wonder.html
January 26, 2012
Psalm 111
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 25, 2012
read January 25, 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 15,170+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The sense of Beauty

2012-01-28T12:53:00.001-05:00

across the other senses
somehow deeper still
unable to truly quantity
what it is to see beauty
just something that is
the sense of beauty precious
giving us something wonderful
magic, as we walk in life
precious in moments
in gossamer lights

January 28, 2012
part of a series of poems,
based on the idea that there are several other senses
besides the sense of Taste, Touch, Hearing, Sight, Smell –
including the sense of Wonder, Beauty, Peace, God’s Presence,
and even the sense of Magic
&
poem, “Recapturing a sense of wonder”,
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/01/recapturing-sense-of-wonder.html
January 26, 2012
Psalm 111
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 25, 2012
read January 25, 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 15,170+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The sense of Wonder

2012-01-28T12:44:00.001-05:00

Hope in believing,
beyond the next horizon
wonder in the giving
of our Lord and Master
the little things mattering
beauty where it comes
stopping, listening
for the wonder to unfold

January 28, 2012
part of a series of poems,
based on the idea that there are several other senses
besides the sense of Taste, Touch, Hearing, Sight, Smell –
including the sense of Wonder, Beauty, Peace, God’s Presence,
and even the sense of Magic
&
poem, “Recapturing a sense of wonder”,
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/01/recapturing-sense-of-wonder.html
January 26, 2012
Psalm 111
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 25, 2012
read January 25, 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 15,170+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the senses

2012-01-28T12:39:00.002-05:00

we are too grounded
bound by the senses
as if there are only
the ones we speak of
as if the universe
framed by just five
hearing, sight, smell,
taste and touch

these only the beginning
bounds of imagination
stumbling in the dark
needing to quest for light
more still out there
beyond that horizon
wonder, beauty, peace
a sense of God’s presence,
of wonder, of magic
an awareness of the unseen
beyond our pedestrian dreams

January 28, 2012
part of a series of poems,
based on the idea that there are several other senses
besides the sense of Taste, Touch, Hearing, Sight, Smell –
including the sense of Wonder, Beauty, Peace, God’s Presence,
and even the sense of Magic
&
poem, “Recapturing a sense of wonder”,
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/01/recapturing-sense-of-wonder.html
January 26, 2012
Psalm 111
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 25, 2012
read January 25, 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 15,170+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

To dream heroic dreams – v2

2012-01-28T11:05:00.001-05:00

Copernicus, Columbus,
Kennedy, Reagan
a vision beyond our boundaries
out into the unknown

Not stuck in our current state
bound by the dust, decay
wanting a brighter day
a hope for tomorrow

To dream heroic dreams
come what may
fighting to rise above
our dust, our clay

With God as our compass
holding onto God’s rights
liberty, with justice, compassion
seeking a brighter tomorrow

In heroic dreams for America
restored, renewed
leading the way to that future
ever beyond the horizon

January 28, 2012
a phrase from Newt Gingrich’s interview
with Greta Van Susteren
“On the Record”,
January 27, 2012
http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/on-the-record/2012/01/28/newt-prospect-president-gingrich-horrifying-washingtons-old-guard?page=3

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 15,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

To dream heroic dreams

2012-01-28T10:53:00.001-05:00

Not stuck in our current state
bound by the dust, decay
wanting a brighter day
To dream heroic dreams
come what may
fighting to rise above
our dust, our clay
With God as our compass
holding onto liberty,
with justice, compassion
seeking a brighter tomorrow
in dreams of America
leading the way

January 28, 2012
a phrase from Newt Gingrich’s interview
with Greta Van Susteren
“On the Record”,
January 27, 2012
http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/on-the-record/2012/01/28/newt-prospect-president-gingrich-horrifying-washingtons-old-guard?page=3

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 15,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

out of his own authority – v2

2012-01-28T09:59:00.001-05:00

Like the best modern preachers
one way to visualize
to attempt to go back
to the beginning, Capernaum
Christ, out of the pulpit
alive with fire, with passion
singing God’s praise

No notes, no cross-references
filled with God’s Spirit
Christ’s teaching, holy
out of his own authority
gripping them with power
authentic worship
sharing the Father
God’s Kingdom come near

January 28, 2012
Mark 1:21-22 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 28, 2012
read January 28, 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 15,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

such a prophet – v2

2012-01-28T08:40:00.002-05:00

heed the words
such a prophet
given words by God
to speak to the people
the people of God
a holy message
speaking for God
in the congregation
a holy message
to change the whole world

January 27, 2012 and January 28, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Did they fear the Light – v2

2012-01-28T08:36:00.000-05:00

How could the People
so blessed by God’s promise
turn their backs on God
not wanting to be in His presence
under the pillar, the cloud, the fire
His brilliance, His light
running away, hiding
needing a prophet
like Moses, going
before God’s presence
why did they shun God
Did they fear the Light
or were they just stupid
knowing what they would do
that they would face the judgment of God
ignoring his command, rebelling against the precepts
not wanting God to know, even though He is omniscient

January 27, 2012
Worship Theme – “The Nature of Authority”
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-14 (NRSV)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 111:1-3, 10)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Mark 1:21-28))
and sermon, “The question of Authority”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 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 15,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a place of prayer

2012-01-28T08:27:00.001-05:00

not regal, power
instead a house of prayer
small, intimate
Christ’s teaching starting there

a place of prayer, of sharing
God’s holy words
revealed to the people
a light for the world

January 28, 2012
Mark 1:21-22 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 28, 2012
read January 28, 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 15,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

ushering in the new reign

2012-01-28T08:24:00.001-05:00

Christ teaching
such a new message
ushering in the new reign
the kingdom drawn near

Pouring out God’s Word
from the depths of his spirit
infused with real power
authority from above

January 28, 2012
Mark 1:21-22 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 28, 2012
read January 28, 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 15,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

with certainty of the voice of God

2012-01-28T08:20:00.002-05:00

The One, only, prophet, Savior
Christ in the synagogue
the start of his purpose
speaking out of his center
all that He is
God’s message to us
that we may live

January 28, 2012
Mark 1:21-22 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 28, 2012
read January 28, 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 15,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

out of one’s being

2012-01-28T08:17:00.001-05:00

how to describe
what it must have been like
to hear the words of Jesus
at the beginning of his ministry
he, a true vessel,
filled with God’s message
pouring out a blessing
exousia, out of his being,
all that he was
power, authority
sharing God’s message
to heal the whole world

January 28, 2012
Mark 1:21-22 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 28, 2012
read January 28, 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 15,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

out of his own authority

2012-01-28T08:13:00.001-05:00

Like the best modern preachers
one way to visualize
to attempt to go back
to the beginning, Capernaum
out of the pulpit
alive with fire
singing God’s praise
No notes, no cross-references
filled with God’s praise
Christ’s teaching, holy
out of his own authority
gripping them with power
authentic worship
sharing the Father
the Kingdom come near

January 28, 2012
Mark 1:21-22 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan
scripture and meditation for January 28, 2012
read January 28, 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 15,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.