Mark 11:1-10
Can I Help?
The Lord be with you
And also with you
Let us pray,
Gracious Lord, Almighty God, we thank you that we are able to assemble in you temple this morning to worship you. We pray that you would be with us as we hear your word. Pour out your Spirit upon us gathered here today. May we hear the word that you have for us this morning. I pray that your word would be heard through me or in spite of me. May the meditations of our hearts and the words our mouths be pleasing to you Lord our Rock and Redeemer. Speak Lord, your servants are listening.
(Scripture reading according to the Gospel of St. Mark)
This morning we are really working with that Spiritual Discipline we talked about last week. We are Celebrating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Can you imagine what it must of like to have been there? The person, that you have deemed to be the Messiah, is coming into town. You are all excited because you are about to be freed from the Government. This Messiah is going to fight for you and bring about change in your world. You are there Shouting “Hosanna…Hosanna to the King. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna!” You’re waving your palms and throwing you coats on the ground as if they were Rose petals before the one that would liberate you. What a sight that must have been.
During Lent, we have been talking about many things that are Spiritual Disciplines. We have talked about listening , worship, simplicity, prayer and celebration. All of these work together and causes us to do what I want to talk about this morning. All of this leads us to want to serve God, be in service to Him, in whatever capacity that he has gifted us for. It is our act of worship and obedience to God.
Have you ever thought about what service really is? What defines service? If you are in service to God, does everyone look at you and think you are saintly or a “holy roller”? Can I just do the service that I feel like doing or do what I have to do +anyway? Will what I do make a difference? I can’t do much of anything so will it really matter? Well…the definition of service is employment in duties or work for another, work done for others as an occupation or business, it’s an act of assistance or benefit, it’s also an act of assistance or benefit, but is also means an Active devotion to God, as through good works or prayer.
In the Scripture from Mark this morning, we have a scene of service that we might not readily notice. You see, Jesus was just about to come down from the Mount of Olives and he sent two of His disciple to fetch him a colt. Now you might think that this is not much of anything to do. All they were doing is getting Jesus a “ride“ into the city. But…this little, ordinary act of fetching a donkey takes up most of Mark’s account of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. He told these disciples what to do, where to find it, what type of colt, what to say, and so on. This was important to Jesus. What these men were doing had a great importance to Jesus’ entry into the city…This small act of obedience.
Now…we don’t know what these disciples were thinking when Jesus told them to do this…and we don’t even know which two it was. They may have been thinking…”Ok…we have been with you all this time. We have been arguing which one of us was the greatest. We should be put up on a pedestal because we are following the Son of God. And you want us to do what…get a donkey!” It is ironic and makes me stop and think because on one of Jesus’ most glorious day on earth, these disciples were told to muck around in the a stable…looking like a couple of horse thieves…tangling with a untamed colt, trying to get it back to the Mount of Olives for Jesus. I can just see the picture now…they’re racing and running around to try and catch this unwilling participant in their plan, maybe even falling and being covered with mud and Lord knows what else. Thinking to themselves “ We left our fishing nets to follow this guy…why?”
Why does Mark portray these disciples in this way? This is seems like a delegated chore…something like the worship committee planning Psalm Sunday worship…one of those mundane chores, one of those things that needs to be done within the church but there is no real action, no notoriety with it. I mean we are called to serve God with all our heart, and soul, and energy. These types of things…like making the bulletins…cleaning the bathroom…cleaning up after a Saturday night dinner…are not the most “glorious” things that are done but…without them, the church would not be able to function as it should…reaching out to the least, the lost and the forgotten. Jesus needed a donkey for His ministry to function the way God intended it to run. Jesus entered the city as a King but left as a criminal. But this was God’s plan at the start. And it all began with a ride into the town on a donkey.
So why is it that Mark puts these disciples in this light? Well I…being a Seminarian…would like to share my insight to this piece of scripture with you. You see…I believe that what Mark is showing us that even the mundane things are considered service. The Disciples I Mark get a boat ready for Jesus, find out how much food will be needed to feed the multitude, get a room for the Last Supper, and even find a colt, a donkey, for Jesus to enter into the city. It is the mundane that we need to reach down and bring forth that Spirit of service, no matter how hard that may be. These disciples, as well as us, were handling the “every day”, the nitty gritty chores of everyday life. We are called to prepare the way of Jesus’ ministry, His not ours. We are to be those donkey fetchers. But we are also called to do those mundane things that keeps His church alive and by doing so, we are taking part in His redemptive work in the world. So Beloved, there is no service too small that the Lord can’t use.
The gospel of Mark talks about the “great” things God calls us to do. The disciples cast out demons and healed the sick but he also talks about the other less glorious things that the disciples were called to do. One of the things that we can all do, whether we are great or small, young or old, is to take the light of Christ into the world and let our light shine before man and in turn they too may come into the light…into the sheepfold of the ever loving Shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ. We need to share that light, that candle of Christ within us, and light the dark places of the world no matter where it may be.
(Video, Go Light Your World, by Kathy Triccoli)
Rejoice…the King has come…the prophesy has been fulfilled! Go out and light your world in the name of Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
AMEN
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
As a child’s hands
The cluster of clover
as a child’s hands, small, living
in miniature the tuft of green
the large plant they will become
nascent, but perfect in miniature
yearning this cold dreary spring day
for the rays of sunlight, the warmth of summer
the flowering and the bees pollinating
the lush color foretold in the tiny leaves
pushing up through the playground mulch
April 7, 2009
Pembroke Village School
Suncook, NH
as a child’s hands, small, living
in miniature the tuft of green
the large plant they will become
nascent, but perfect in miniature
yearning this cold dreary spring day
for the rays of sunlight, the warmth of summer
the flowering and the bees pollinating
the lush color foretold in the tiny leaves
pushing up through the playground mulch
April 7, 2009
Pembroke Village School
Suncook, NH
In Miniature
The tiny clump of clover,
a drop of rain a pearl
nestled in the triune shapes
in miniature the bouquet they will be
the woodchips framing this miracle
this movement of spring
a tiny clump of clover
there especially for me
April 7, 2009
Pembroke Village School
Suncook, NH
a drop of rain a pearl
nestled in the triune shapes
in miniature the bouquet they will be
the woodchips framing this miracle
this movement of spring
a tiny clump of clover
there especially for me
April 7, 2009
Pembroke Village School
Suncook, NH
Sunday, April 05, 2009
With Palms Waving
They danced, we listened
with palms waving, bodies swaying
entering into the presence, centering our worship
feeling Christ, riding on a donkey,
in our midst, in the sanctuary,
made holy ground, in this moment
With palms waving, voices singing
With the joy of the morning
the triumphant entrance invoked
the hands of the servants, clapping,
waving, moving to the Spirit
rising with our “hosannas!”,
singing, celebrating, worshiping the king
with palms waving!
April 5, 2009
Isaiah 43:10-13
Mark 11:1-10
Palm Sunday
and sermon, “Can I Help?”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
April 5, 2009
with palms waving, bodies swaying
entering into the presence, centering our worship
feeling Christ, riding on a donkey,
in our midst, in the sanctuary,
made holy ground, in this moment
With palms waving, voices singing
With the joy of the morning
the triumphant entrance invoked
the hands of the servants, clapping,
waving, moving to the Spirit
rising with our “hosannas!”,
singing, celebrating, worshiping the king
with palms waving!
April 5, 2009
Isaiah 43:10-13
Mark 11:1-10
Palm Sunday
and sermon, “Can I Help?”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
April 5, 2009
New Life
Under the leaf litter
the matted grass
green shoots
new life, pushing skyward
out of the awakening earth
the cycle of life,
the turning of the seasons
all part of the master’s plan.
New life, in its time, our of the dead
the still-wet decay of last year,
our of winter hibernation
the perennials rise
new-green lilies, irises,
grasses, all in the newly raked garden
continuing the dance, rebirth
choreographed by the creator
For this, and so much more,
we give You our thanks.
March 22, 2009
Spring 2009,
and Alive Now assignment for 3/20/09
and
Luke 11:1-13
and sermon,
“Are You Listening Lord?”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 22, 2009
the matted grass
green shoots
new life, pushing skyward
out of the awakening earth
the cycle of life,
the turning of the seasons
all part of the master’s plan.
New life, in its time, our of the dead
the still-wet decay of last year,
our of winter hibernation
the perennials rise
new-green lilies, irises,
grasses, all in the newly raked garden
continuing the dance, rebirth
choreographed by the creator
For this, and so much more,
we give You our thanks.
March 22, 2009
Spring 2009,
and Alive Now assignment for 3/20/09
and
Luke 11:1-13
and sermon,
“Are You Listening Lord?”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 22, 2009
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Find Him There
Here, right where I live
where I work, where I toil,
where we worship,
where my wife, my girls are with me,
where we live
in this place where I am planted
as if by living streams of water
this tree planted here.
May I find him here, not some distant land,
standing beside me in my struggles
walking with me on this journey
holding my hand when I step out in faith
cheering with me in my joys
in those moments when I notice,
when I am present, when I feel his grace
(not that his grace is ever lacking),
when I am aware,
May I find his face, his presence, here
with me now, right where I am
April 2, 2009
The following poem was posted to the www.christianpoetry.org site on April 1, 2009, my 49th birthday. I received a comment about seeking Christ in the holy land when we should seek him where we live. The poem above came from this.
----
Traveling Far
Unlike the shepherds,
on a nearby hillside, watching their sheep.
Not called by a choir of angels,
a chorus of heavenly host.
Reading the signs, as they did in Jerusalem,
traveling far, following his star.
By a faithfulness, greater than the people
the chosen ones.
Bringing gifts, these gifts,
in fulfillment, the birth, their gifts.
Believing where the select, the chosen did not,
traveling far, with real faith.
Following the star, the signs,
the coming of the newborn king.
January 2, 2009
Isaiah 60:1-6
Matthew 2:1-12
where I work, where I toil,
where we worship,
where my wife, my girls are with me,
where we live
in this place where I am planted
as if by living streams of water
this tree planted here.
May I find him here, not some distant land,
standing beside me in my struggles
walking with me on this journey
holding my hand when I step out in faith
cheering with me in my joys
in those moments when I notice,
when I am present, when I feel his grace
(not that his grace is ever lacking),
when I am aware,
May I find his face, his presence, here
with me now, right where I am
April 2, 2009
The following poem was posted to the www.christianpoetry.org site on April 1, 2009, my 49th birthday. I received a comment about seeking Christ in the holy land when we should seek him where we live. The poem above came from this.
----
Traveling Far
Unlike the shepherds,
on a nearby hillside, watching their sheep.
Not called by a choir of angels,
a chorus of heavenly host.
Reading the signs, as they did in Jerusalem,
traveling far, following his star.
By a faithfulness, greater than the people
the chosen ones.
Bringing gifts, these gifts,
in fulfillment, the birth, their gifts.
Believing where the select, the chosen did not,
traveling far, with real faith.
Following the star, the signs,
the coming of the newborn king.
January 2, 2009
Isaiah 60:1-6
Matthew 2:1-12
All of my
poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved.
Contact me at Ray
Foss for usage. See all 30,800+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Through a Willing Vessel
Your grace oh Lord,
poured out, a libation for the world
shared through a willing vessel
not matter that it is worn, chipped,
damaged and patched,
worthy for the father’s purposes
for the continuing ministry of faith
through a willing vessel
gifts beyond measure
can pour
March 28, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Fourth Day
poured out, a libation for the world
shared through a willing vessel
not matter that it is worn, chipped,
damaged and patched,
worthy for the father’s purposes
for the continuing ministry of faith
through a willing vessel
gifts beyond measure
can pour
March 28, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Fourth Day
Knitted Fingers
Cupped fingers, knitted together
the leaves of the tulips
rising from the humus, the earth
as if in prayer, cupped
to gather the morning dew,
the growing, warming sun
March 28, 2009
the leaves of the tulips
rising from the humus, the earth
as if in prayer, cupped
to gather the morning dew,
the growing, warming sun
March 28, 2009
Fresh Oil
Like fresh oil for our lamps
fresh oil for the journey
so are the words of faith shared
in the community, in support for one another
in the light we can shine on the world
into the world, as there is need
to keep our lamps lit, ourselves ready
to answer the call of God, the ministry of our savior
and the stirrings of the holy spirit deep within us
to care for those in need
to go and make disciples
March 28, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Fourth Day
fresh oil for the journey
so are the words of faith shared
in the community, in support for one another
in the light we can shine on the world
into the world, as there is need
to keep our lamps lit, ourselves ready
to answer the call of God, the ministry of our savior
and the stirrings of the holy spirit deep within us
to care for those in need
to go and make disciples
March 28, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Fourth Day
Pitcher Plants
Like infant pitcher plants
pushing up through
the litter of last fall’s leaves
new soft-slate-green, cups
tulips, rising from the grey-brown
mouths open, yearning
as if drinking the light
rising into the sun
pushing up through
the litter of last fall’s leaves
new soft-slate-green, cups
tulips, rising from the grey-brown
mouths open, yearning
as if drinking the light
rising into the sun
March
27, 2009
Pitcher
Plants
Prospect
Street
Suncook,
NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A.
Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011,
2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 37,170+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Meeting God Afresh
Seeing God, feeling Him with me
meeting God afresh, in fellowship
In those moments, precious
sensing love, familial, agape
Walking, journeying with God
in a daily covenant
Touched by Pentecost fire, filled by his grace
being a witness, yoked to Christ
With God as our master
great things we can do
March 28, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Fourth Day
meeting God afresh, in fellowship
In those moments, precious
sensing love, familial, agape
Walking, journeying with God
in a daily covenant
Touched by Pentecost fire, filled by his grace
being a witness, yoked to Christ
With God as our master
great things we can do
March 28, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Fourth Day
Changing His World
In his witness, his testimony of his acts
his works, his perseverance, his love
and his caring, he changed himself,
he changed the life of this precious child
he lifted up this family,
those whose lives have touched this child’s own
proving themselves worthy
vessels to share Christ’s love
out into the world,
starting from within themselves
accepting a sacred trust
changing his world for the better
and, in so doing, making a difference
far greater than this
March 28, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Changing Our World
his works, his perseverance, his love
and his caring, he changed himself,
he changed the life of this precious child
he lifted up this family,
those whose lives have touched this child’s own
proving themselves worthy
vessels to share Christ’s love
out into the world,
starting from within themselves
accepting a sacred trust
changing his world for the better
and, in so doing, making a difference
far greater than this
March 28, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Changing Our World
Richer
A richer story, a richer life
carrying more, of the word of God
words written indelibly, engraved
on my mind, on my heart
through reading, studying
spending time in the scriptures
learning and sharing
the story of God’s grace
a life richer each day
March 28, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Grow through Study
carrying more, of the word of God
words written indelibly, engraved
on my mind, on my heart
through reading, studying
spending time in the scriptures
learning and sharing
the story of God’s grace
a life richer each day
March 28, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Grow through Study
Out of the Shelters
Out of the mild comfort
out of the shelters,
going where there is hurt,
where there is need
out of the shelters, under the bridges
in the park, in the hidden darker places
the places where they have found refuge
bringing Christ’s love, through simple acts
of caring, of coffee, of grace
seeking those, who you may not know
serving them, where they are
as Jesus would do
March 28, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Christian Action
out of the shelters,
going where there is hurt,
where there is need
out of the shelters, under the bridges
in the park, in the hidden darker places
the places where they have found refuge
bringing Christ’s love, through simple acts
of caring, of coffee, of grace
seeking those, who you may not know
serving them, where they are
as Jesus would do
March 28, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Christian Action
Dropping Their Nets
“Follow me and I will make you
fishers of men”, so was the call
of the first disciples, of us as well
personally to walk with Christ
in his ministry, living the example
of Simon, of Andrew, of James, of John
moving out into the world,
giving our hands, our feet
yoked with Jesus, partners
a team together,
leaving our old selves behind
transformed and enabled
Dropping our nets, going
to be fishers of men.
March 28, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Discipleship
fishers of men”, so was the call
of the first disciples, of us as well
personally to walk with Christ
in his ministry, living the example
of Simon, of Andrew, of James, of John
moving out into the world,
giving our hands, our feet
yoked with Jesus, partners
a team together,
leaving our old selves behind
transformed and enabled
Dropping our nets, going
to be fishers of men.
March 28, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Discipleship
A Simple Act
A hot cup of coffee, a simple act
an offering of a drink but more than this
an offering of hope, of compassion, in witness
being a disciple of Christ, in action
out into our community
to our neighbors
and to the world
even, or maybe especially,
in simple acts of love, of grace
March 28, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Christian Action
an offering of a drink but more than this
an offering of hope, of compassion, in witness
being a disciple of Christ, in action
out into our community
to our neighbors
and to the world
even, or maybe especially,
in simple acts of love, of grace
March 28, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Christian Action
Simple Elements
a simple load, an earthen cup
uncovered on the table, an offering
a living candle, before the cross
purple cloth, covering His table
Simple elements, shared in faith,
in remembrance of Him,
invoked by her loving words
His choice to sacrifice,
to give himself, His life,
His body, His blood
for each of us,
as we come to His table
March 28, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Communion
uncovered on the table, an offering
a living candle, before the cross
purple cloth, covering His table
Simple elements, shared in faith,
in remembrance of Him,
invoked by her loving words
His choice to sacrifice,
to give himself, His life,
His body, His blood
for each of us,
as we come to His table
March 28, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Communion
In Gasps
The words of Your prayer
sung, as if in gasps, trembling
urgent words raised for the congregation
words of Christ, his prayer
his words to the Father
Shared in son, in prayer
in the community, together
in gasps, in awe, and in reverence.
March 28, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Lord’s Prayer
sung, as if in gasps, trembling
urgent words raised for the congregation
words of Christ, his prayer
his words to the Father
Shared in son, in prayer
in the community, together
in gasps, in awe, and in reverence.
March 28, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Lord’s Prayer
In their Faithfulness
In the perseverance, trust
in their faithfulness, striving
to follow the way of the master
walking with our savior
doing the work of the spirit
going where they are called
even if only one, only two
are gathered, so are their fruits
in joyful submission
to the Lord’s holy purpose
March 28, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Perseverance
in their faithfulness, striving
to follow the way of the master
walking with our savior
doing the work of the spirit
going where they are called
even if only one, only two
are gathered, so are their fruits
in joyful submission
to the Lord’s holy purpose
March 28, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Perseverance
A Life of Grace
Within each of us
a life of Grace, abounding
all around, living right with God
within us, choice, everlasting
to stay with the challenge,
to turn to the creator
ever to resolve, to heal, some rift, consequence
to repent to turn toward God
to reap a harvest, a life of Grace.
a life of Grace, abounding
all around, living right with God
within us, choice, everlasting
to stay with the challenge,
to turn to the creator
ever to resolve, to heal, some rift, consequence
to repent to turn toward God
to reap a harvest, a life of Grace.
March
27, 2009
A
Life of Grace
Walk
to Emmaus
Perseverance
All of my
poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights
reserved. Contact me at Ray
Foss for usage. See all 39,250+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Treasures of Emmaus
Pearls of grace
shared in their witness
in God’s voice speaking through them
treasure of Emmaus
of the Walk, the journey
with our risen Lord
traveling this road
into the fields of the world
yoked with our savior
feeling his presence
seeing the face of Christ
in the community
your hand, oh God
resting on us all
treasure not buried
but shared instead
March 27, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Perseverance
shared in their witness
in God’s voice speaking through them
treasure of Emmaus
of the Walk, the journey
with our risen Lord
traveling this road
into the fields of the world
yoked with our savior
feeling his presence
seeing the face of Christ
in the community
your hand, oh God
resting on us all
treasure not buried
but shared instead
March 27, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Perseverance
Through Your Word
In the quiet of morning
the still of the room, in the written word
a message of grace, for me, this moment
Through your word, I grow
I live, transformed, by your spirit
speaking to me, deep within me
writing more of your story
onto the flesh of my heart
through your word, growing
living my journey
with power,
with words,
to share.
the still of the room, in the written word
a message of grace, for me, this moment
Through your word, I grow
I live, transformed, by your spirit
speaking to me, deep within me
writing more of your story
onto the flesh of my heart
through your word, growing
living my journey
with power,
with words,
to share.
March 27, 2009
Through Your Word
Walk to Emmaus
Grow through Study
All of my
poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights
reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)
for usage. See all 40,050+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
The Banquet of Grace
For those with eyes open
with senses clear,
those paying attention,
those truly present
a banquet of grace
prepared and ready
open for all
Take from the banquet
all who are hungry,
all who seek his face
He is waiting
arms open wide
offering to the world
his banquet of grace
March 27, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Perseverance
with senses clear,
those paying attention,
those truly present
a banquet of grace
prepared and ready
open for all
Take from the banquet
all who are hungry,
all who seek his face
He is waiting
arms open wide
offering to the world
his banquet of grace
March 27, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Perseverance
What’s Wrong
The obstacle, the barrier
the impediment to grace –
It is me, my sins
my selfishness, my will
keeping me from God,
from his voice, his message;
not centered on Christ
It is me, not our creator
being the wall, the divide
between us, the distance
Following my own path
He is the father, ready, always, for me
When I am ready,
when I return to him.
March 27, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Obstacles to Grace
the impediment to grace –
It is me, my sins
my selfishness, my will
keeping me from God,
from his voice, his message;
not centered on Christ
It is me, not our creator
being the wall, the divide
between us, the distance
Following my own path
He is the father, ready, always, for me
When I am ready,
when I return to him.
March 27, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Obstacles to Grace
Written on our Hearts
With the blood of the lamb
prepared to be ink, grace
written on our hearts
God’s everlasting love
seeking us, pursuing
hoping for covenant
for a living relationship
Indelible ink of life
changing us, transforming
never to be the same again
Our lives anew, walking
journeying, yoked to our savior,
our brother, our master
By his grace, by his redemption
moving, walking
as new beings, servants
Calling us, each one, called to be
disciples to be sent out into the world,
faithful to his love
March 27, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Prevenient Grace talk
prepared to be ink, grace
written on our hearts
God’s everlasting love
seeking us, pursuing
hoping for covenant
for a living relationship
Indelible ink of life
changing us, transforming
never to be the same again
Our lives anew, walking
journeying, yoked to our savior,
our brother, our master
By his grace, by his redemption
moving, walking
as new beings, servants
Calling us, each one, called to be
disciples to be sent out into the world,
faithful to his love
March 27, 2009
Walk to Emmaus
Prevenient Grace talk
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Sermon - "Are You Listening Lord?", by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, Suncook United Methodist Church, March 22, 2009
Luke 11:1-13
The Lord be with you
And also with you
Let us pray:
(Song: Pray by Darlene Zschech)
Reading of the Gospel according to St. Luke
Since I have been coming down with a cold, this morning I have brought with me something to drink. I put it in one of my favorite cups from home. It says “Dear God, Do you ever sit around…waiting for the phone to ring.” But what I like what is says on the back the most. It is a cup that I grab when I feel like I am out in the wilderness without my cell phone to call someone who cares. The back says “Dear God, Do you ever sit around…waiting for the phone to ring? God is always at work – always eager to hear your prayers, yet already busy doing everything you need at the moment of the day or night. So while you are welcome anytime you start to need His help or think about His love, He is already on the job – even when you’re not.” (Wow…he’s already doing what we need…before we even ask. How amazing is that?)
We have embarked on a wonderful journey this Lent. We have been learning about different Spiritual Disciplines. We have talked about listening (how are you all doing on those quiet moments of listening…I think I may have it up to about 3 min. but who’s counting), worship and simplicity (Which is the real spice of life if you ask me). Today I want to talk to you about something that is very near and dear to my heart. It’s something that I feel keeps me connected to the Giver of all knowledge. The discipline is the discipline of prayer.
So what is prayer? How do we tap into the power to change situations and nations? How can we know if we are doing it right and if we are not, how can we change? How do we pray? Well…in the Scripture passage from Luke this morning, we can see that the disciples had the same types of questions in their minds.
Jesus had just finished praying and they must have been moved by hearing Him pray because right after He had finished, they wanted Jesus to teach them how to pray. Well…this tells me that prayer is something that is learned. It is something that we don’t know how to do unless someone shows us how to do it. I remember as a child, my parents taught me how to pray. Most of you probably had the same “teacher of prayer.” I can remember getting on my knees at the side of my bed as a child and praying the prayer that my parents taught me. You know the prayer “now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep…” Prayer is something that is taught how to do.
This simple little prayer taught to me as a child has grown into something much more than that. You see…prayer is not just about asking for something, it is a one on one conversation with the Creator of all things. Prayer is the one thing that keeps Christians in touch with God. We can say that we love God and want to do His will in our lives but, how can we know the will that God has for us unless we spend time with God…in prayer…in order to know what that will is. Prayer is a “two way street.” It’s not only about us going to the throne of grace and asking, it also about us listening for God’s still small voice (remember what Huntley talked about…listening…it is a discipline we need to hear God’s voice). It is this mutual relationship that helps us, as Christians, to live the life that God has planned for us.
You don’t have to pray with big, theological words, this scripture shows us a simple prayer that was taught to the disciples and it is this simple prayer that not only asks for things for ourselves but also for others. In this prayer…I counted the word “us” an “we” 5 times. It is not all about the “I”, it’s about the “we” and “us”. This prayer tells me that prayer is not all about me and that I need to pray for others as well. It tells me that by praying for others I can make a difference in situations and even for a change in the nations. What awesome power the Giver of all that is good has given each and every one of us. What a responsibility we all have.
Simplicity (still yet another one of those Spiritual disciplines that we have talked about)…I remember one day Shanequa came into Ray’s office and asked for a puppy. Well…being the “good Christian parents” that we are, we said to her “well Shanequa, you’re going to have to ask God about that.” Well…Shanequa then dropped to her knees and prayed “God, can I please have a puppy.” As she was leaving the office…we cleared our throats and she came back in…dropped to her knees again and said “Oh yah…AMEN!” (Spontaneous prayer in action!) Her little prayer made us laugh but it also taught us something. When going to God in prayer, it doesn’t have to be a complicated prayer, a simple little prayer will do. It also taught us that we need to go to God with the spirit of a little child going to their parent with a request knowing that our prayer will be answered and trusting that God hears us.
Prayer is not just a onetime thing. We need to be continually in prayer over things…kind of like that guy in the scripture this morning. They kept asking until they received what they asked for. So don’t get discourage if you ask for something and you don’t get immediate results. It’s hard when we don’t get immediate answers. We live in a world that tells us we must have immediate gratification. We want it NOW! Scripture tells us to pray without ceasing. Prayer helps us build endurance and character. We learn that perseverance is a sign of maturity. (A pastor friend of mind once told me that “delayed gratification is a sign of maturity”)
Prayer is not all about asking either. In prayer, we also have the opportunity to thank God for all He has given us. As we thank God for the abundance that has been heaped upon us, we are actually doing and act of “worship” as we concentrate on His goodness (Boy…these spiritual gifts come in handy!). God wants to have a relationship with us. If He didn’t He would not have sent His Son to bridge that gap that was forged in the Garden of Eden. For that alone we should be thankful. God has answered so many of our prayers which is another thing to be thankful for. God has given us life and a purpose, again something to be thankful for. And the list goes on, so I don’t really think that we will have a problem in thinking of things to be thankful for. Even when we don’t know what to say, when we are at a loss for words, God hears the prayer of our hearts.(This I am ever thankful for because there are days that I just don’t know what to pray).
Prayer…it is one of those disciplines that is a life boat to us as Christians. It is something that doesn’t have to be complicated. It is an opportunity to thank God for all His goodness. It is a way that we can change the world. Wow, that’s a lot of stuff for such a simple thing. But, God doesn’t need it to be complicated and theological for Him to understand what you are saying. He even knows the prayers that we are unable to articulate. It is a way that we can keep in touch with and hear from the Creator of all things. What an awesome privilege we have. What an opportunity we have to come to the throne of grace, through Our Lord Jesus Christ and have a one on one with our heavenly Father. God speaks to us even today as He did in years past. All we need to do is be still, and listen for that still, small voice saying “I’m here and I hear what you’re saying.” Speak Lord…your servants are listening…
(Word of God Speak video by Mercy Me)
AMEN!
The Lord be with you
And also with you
Let us pray:
(Song: Pray by Darlene Zschech)
Reading of the Gospel according to St. Luke
Since I have been coming down with a cold, this morning I have brought with me something to drink. I put it in one of my favorite cups from home. It says “Dear God, Do you ever sit around…waiting for the phone to ring.” But what I like what is says on the back the most. It is a cup that I grab when I feel like I am out in the wilderness without my cell phone to call someone who cares. The back says “Dear God, Do you ever sit around…waiting for the phone to ring? God is always at work – always eager to hear your prayers, yet already busy doing everything you need at the moment of the day or night. So while you are welcome anytime you start to need His help or think about His love, He is already on the job – even when you’re not.” (Wow…he’s already doing what we need…before we even ask. How amazing is that?)
We have embarked on a wonderful journey this Lent. We have been learning about different Spiritual Disciplines. We have talked about listening (how are you all doing on those quiet moments of listening…I think I may have it up to about 3 min. but who’s counting), worship and simplicity (Which is the real spice of life if you ask me). Today I want to talk to you about something that is very near and dear to my heart. It’s something that I feel keeps me connected to the Giver of all knowledge. The discipline is the discipline of prayer.
So what is prayer? How do we tap into the power to change situations and nations? How can we know if we are doing it right and if we are not, how can we change? How do we pray? Well…in the Scripture passage from Luke this morning, we can see that the disciples had the same types of questions in their minds.
Jesus had just finished praying and they must have been moved by hearing Him pray because right after He had finished, they wanted Jesus to teach them how to pray. Well…this tells me that prayer is something that is learned. It is something that we don’t know how to do unless someone shows us how to do it. I remember as a child, my parents taught me how to pray. Most of you probably had the same “teacher of prayer.” I can remember getting on my knees at the side of my bed as a child and praying the prayer that my parents taught me. You know the prayer “now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep…” Prayer is something that is taught how to do.
This simple little prayer taught to me as a child has grown into something much more than that. You see…prayer is not just about asking for something, it is a one on one conversation with the Creator of all things. Prayer is the one thing that keeps Christians in touch with God. We can say that we love God and want to do His will in our lives but, how can we know the will that God has for us unless we spend time with God…in prayer…in order to know what that will is. Prayer is a “two way street.” It’s not only about us going to the throne of grace and asking, it also about us listening for God’s still small voice (remember what Huntley talked about…listening…it is a discipline we need to hear God’s voice). It is this mutual relationship that helps us, as Christians, to live the life that God has planned for us.
You don’t have to pray with big, theological words, this scripture shows us a simple prayer that was taught to the disciples and it is this simple prayer that not only asks for things for ourselves but also for others. In this prayer…I counted the word “us” an “we” 5 times. It is not all about the “I”, it’s about the “we” and “us”. This prayer tells me that prayer is not all about me and that I need to pray for others as well. It tells me that by praying for others I can make a difference in situations and even for a change in the nations. What awesome power the Giver of all that is good has given each and every one of us. What a responsibility we all have.
Simplicity (still yet another one of those Spiritual disciplines that we have talked about)…I remember one day Shanequa came into Ray’s office and asked for a puppy. Well…being the “good Christian parents” that we are, we said to her “well Shanequa, you’re going to have to ask God about that.” Well…Shanequa then dropped to her knees and prayed “God, can I please have a puppy.” As she was leaving the office…we cleared our throats and she came back in…dropped to her knees again and said “Oh yah…AMEN!” (Spontaneous prayer in action!) Her little prayer made us laugh but it also taught us something. When going to God in prayer, it doesn’t have to be a complicated prayer, a simple little prayer will do. It also taught us that we need to go to God with the spirit of a little child going to their parent with a request knowing that our prayer will be answered and trusting that God hears us.
Prayer is not just a onetime thing. We need to be continually in prayer over things…kind of like that guy in the scripture this morning. They kept asking until they received what they asked for. So don’t get discourage if you ask for something and you don’t get immediate results. It’s hard when we don’t get immediate answers. We live in a world that tells us we must have immediate gratification. We want it NOW! Scripture tells us to pray without ceasing. Prayer helps us build endurance and character. We learn that perseverance is a sign of maturity. (A pastor friend of mind once told me that “delayed gratification is a sign of maturity”)
Prayer is not all about asking either. In prayer, we also have the opportunity to thank God for all He has given us. As we thank God for the abundance that has been heaped upon us, we are actually doing and act of “worship” as we concentrate on His goodness (Boy…these spiritual gifts come in handy!). God wants to have a relationship with us. If He didn’t He would not have sent His Son to bridge that gap that was forged in the Garden of Eden. For that alone we should be thankful. God has answered so many of our prayers which is another thing to be thankful for. God has given us life and a purpose, again something to be thankful for. And the list goes on, so I don’t really think that we will have a problem in thinking of things to be thankful for. Even when we don’t know what to say, when we are at a loss for words, God hears the prayer of our hearts.(This I am ever thankful for because there are days that I just don’t know what to pray).
Prayer…it is one of those disciplines that is a life boat to us as Christians. It is something that doesn’t have to be complicated. It is an opportunity to thank God for all His goodness. It is a way that we can change the world. Wow, that’s a lot of stuff for such a simple thing. But, God doesn’t need it to be complicated and theological for Him to understand what you are saying. He even knows the prayers that we are unable to articulate. It is a way that we can keep in touch with and hear from the Creator of all things. What an awesome privilege we have. What an opportunity we have to come to the throne of grace, through Our Lord Jesus Christ and have a one on one with our heavenly Father. God speaks to us even today as He did in years past. All we need to do is be still, and listen for that still, small voice saying “I’m here and I hear what you’re saying.” Speak Lord…your servants are listening…
(Word of God Speak video by Mercy Me)
AMEN!
Monday, March 23, 2009
TO MEET SUCH A MAN - received via email 2/12/09 (to be shared)
I sat, with two friends, in the picture window of a quaint restaurant just off the corner of the town-square. The food and the company were both especially good that day.
As we talked, my attention was drawn outside, across the street. There, walking into town, was a man who appeared to be carrying all his worldly goods on his back. He was carrying, a well-worn sign that read, 'I will work for food.' My heart sank.
I brought him to the attention of my friends and noticed that others around us had stopped eating to focus on him. Heads moved in a mixture of sadness and disbelief. We continued with our meal, but his image lingered in my mind. We finished our meal and went our separate ways. I had errands to do and quickly set out to accomplish them. I glanced toward the town square, looking somewhat halfheartedly for the strange visitor. I was fearful, knowing that seeing him again would call some response.
I drove through town and saw nothing of him. I made some purchases at a store and got back in my car.
Deep within me, the Spirit of God kept speaking to me: 'Don't go back to the office until you've at least driven once more around the square.' Then with some hesitancy, I headed back into town. As I turned the squares third corner, I saw him. He was standing on the steps of the store front church, going through his sack.
I stopped and looked; feeling both compelled to speak to him, yet wanting to drive on.
The empty parking space on the corner seemed to be a sign from God: an invitation to park. I pulled in, got out and approached the town's newest visitor.
'Looking for the pastor?' I asked.
'Not really,' he replied, 'just resting.'
'Have you eaten today?'
'Oh, I ate something early this morning.'
'Would you like to have lunch with me?'
'Do you have some work I could do for you?'
'No work,' I replied. 'I commute here to work from the city, but I would like to take you to lunch.'
'Sure,' he replied with a smile.
As he began to gather his things, I asked some surface questions.
'Where are you headed?'
' St. Louis .'
'Where are you from?'
'Oh, all over; mostly Florida .'
'How long have you been walking?'
'Fourteen years,' came the reply.
I knew I had met someone unusual. We sat across from each other in the same restaurant I had left earlier. His face was weathered slightly beyond his 38 years. His eyes were dark yet clear, and he spoke with an eloquence and articulation that was startling. He removed his jacket to reveal a bright red T-shirt that said, 'Jesus is The Never Ending Story.'
Then Daniel's story began to unfold. He had seen rough times early in life. He'd made some wrong choices and reaped the consequences. Fourteen years earlier, while back-packing across the country, he had stopped on the beach in Daytona. He tried to hire on with some men who were putting up a large tent and some equipment. A concert, he thought.
He was hired, but the tent would not house a concert but revival services, and in those services he saw life more clearly. He gave his life over to God.
'Nothing's been the same since,' he said, 'I felt the Lord telling me to keep walking, and so I did, some 14 years now.'
'Ever think of stopping?' I asked.
'Oh, once in a while, when it seems to get the best of me but God has given me this calling. I give out Bibles. That's what's in my sack. I work to buy food and Bibles, and I give them out when His Spirit leads.'
I sat amazed. My homeless friend was not homeless. He was on a mission and l ived this way by choice. The question burned inside for a moment and then I asked: 'What's it like?'
'What?'
'To walk into a town carrying all your things on your back and to show your sign?'
'Oh, it was humiliating at first. People would stare and make comments. Once someone tossed a piece of half-eaten bread and made a gesture that certainly didn't make me feel welcome. But then it became humbling to realize that God was using me to touch lives and change people's concepts of other folks like me.'
My concept was changing, too. We finished our dessert and gathered his things. Just outside the door, he paused. He turned to me and said, 'Come Ye blessed of my Father and inherit the kingdom I've prepared for you. For when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, a stranger and you took me in.'
I felt as if we were on holy ground.
'Could you use another Bible?' I asked.
He said he preferred a certain translation. It traveled well and was not too heavy. It was also his personal favorite. 'I've read through it 14 times,' he said.
'I'm not sure we've got one of those, but let's stop by our church and see.' I was able to find my new friend a Bible that would do well, and he seemed very grateful.
'Where are you headed from here?' I asked.
'Well, I found this little map on the back of this amusement park coupon.'
'Are you hoping to hire on there for awhile?'
'No, I just figure I should go there. I figure someone under that star right there needs a Bible, so that's where I'm going next.'
He smiled, and the warmth of his spirit radiated the sincerity of his mission. I drove him back to the town-square where we'd met two hours earlier, and as we drove, it started raining. We parked and unloaded his things.
'Would you sign my autograph book?' he asked. 'I like to keep messages from folks I meet.'
I wrote in his little book that his commitment to his calling had touched my life. I encouraged him to stay strong. And I left him with a verse of scripture from Jeremiah, 'I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you; Plans to give you a future and a hope.'
'Thanks, man,' he said. 'I know we just met and we're really just strangers, but I love you.'
'I know,' I said, 'I love you, too.' 'The Lord is good!'
'Yes, He is. How long has it been since someone hugged you?' I asked.
'A long time,' he replied
And so on the busy street corner in the drizzling rain, my new friend and I embraced, and I felt deep inside that I had been changed. He put his things on his back, smiled his winning smile and said, 'See you in the New Jerusalem.'
'I'll be there!' was my reply.
He began his journey again. He headed away with his sign dangling from his bed roll and pack of Bibles. He stopped, turned and said, 'When you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?'
'You bet,' I shouted back, 'God bless.'
'God bless.' And that was the last I saw of him.
Late that evening as I left my office, the wind blew strong. The cold front had settled hard upon the town. I bundled up and hurried to my car. As I sat back and reached for the emergency brake, I saw them... a pair of well-worn brown work gloves neatly laid over the length of the handle. I picked them up and thought of my friend and wondered if his hands would stay warm that night without them.
Then I remembered his words: 'If you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?'
Today his gloves lie on my desk in my office. They help me to see the world and its people in a new way, and they help me remember those two hours with my unique friend and to pray for his ministry. 'See you in the New Jerusalem,' he said. Yes, Daniel, I know I will...
If this story touched you, forward it to a friend!
'I shall pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again.'
My instructions were to send this to four people that I wanted God to bless and I picked you. Please pass this to four people you want to be blessed.
This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached. Please do not break this pattern. Prayer is one of the best gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards. Let's continue to pray for one another. God bless and have a nice day!
'Father, I ask you to bless my friends, relatives and e-mail buddies reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask you to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through your grace, In Jesus' precious Name Amen.'
I sent this to more than four, but this story is so touching I felt each of you would enjoy it greatly.
GOD BLESS YOU MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY!!!
As we talked, my attention was drawn outside, across the street. There, walking into town, was a man who appeared to be carrying all his worldly goods on his back. He was carrying, a well-worn sign that read, 'I will work for food.' My heart sank.
I brought him to the attention of my friends and noticed that others around us had stopped eating to focus on him. Heads moved in a mixture of sadness and disbelief. We continued with our meal, but his image lingered in my mind. We finished our meal and went our separate ways. I had errands to do and quickly set out to accomplish them. I glanced toward the town square, looking somewhat halfheartedly for the strange visitor. I was fearful, knowing that seeing him again would call some response.
I drove through town and saw nothing of him. I made some purchases at a store and got back in my car.
Deep within me, the Spirit of God kept speaking to me: 'Don't go back to the office until you've at least driven once more around the square.' Then with some hesitancy, I headed back into town. As I turned the squares third corner, I saw him. He was standing on the steps of the store front church, going through his sack.
I stopped and looked; feeling both compelled to speak to him, yet wanting to drive on.
The empty parking space on the corner seemed to be a sign from God: an invitation to park. I pulled in, got out and approached the town's newest visitor.
'Looking for the pastor?' I asked.
'Not really,' he replied, 'just resting.'
'Have you eaten today?'
'Oh, I ate something early this morning.'
'Would you like to have lunch with me?'
'Do you have some work I could do for you?'
'No work,' I replied. 'I commute here to work from the city, but I would like to take you to lunch.'
'Sure,' he replied with a smile.
As he began to gather his things, I asked some surface questions.
'Where are you headed?'
' St. Louis .'
'Where are you from?'
'Oh, all over; mostly Florida .'
'How long have you been walking?'
'Fourteen years,' came the reply.
I knew I had met someone unusual. We sat across from each other in the same restaurant I had left earlier. His face was weathered slightly beyond his 38 years. His eyes were dark yet clear, and he spoke with an eloquence and articulation that was startling. He removed his jacket to reveal a bright red T-shirt that said, 'Jesus is The Never Ending Story.'
Then Daniel's story began to unfold. He had seen rough times early in life. He'd made some wrong choices and reaped the consequences. Fourteen years earlier, while back-packing across the country, he had stopped on the beach in Daytona. He tried to hire on with some men who were putting up a large tent and some equipment. A concert, he thought.
He was hired, but the tent would not house a concert but revival services, and in those services he saw life more clearly. He gave his life over to God.
'Nothing's been the same since,' he said, 'I felt the Lord telling me to keep walking, and so I did, some 14 years now.'
'Ever think of stopping?' I asked.
'Oh, once in a while, when it seems to get the best of me but God has given me this calling. I give out Bibles. That's what's in my sack. I work to buy food and Bibles, and I give them out when His Spirit leads.'
I sat amazed. My homeless friend was not homeless. He was on a mission and l ived this way by choice. The question burned inside for a moment and then I asked: 'What's it like?'
'What?'
'To walk into a town carrying all your things on your back and to show your sign?'
'Oh, it was humiliating at first. People would stare and make comments. Once someone tossed a piece of half-eaten bread and made a gesture that certainly didn't make me feel welcome. But then it became humbling to realize that God was using me to touch lives and change people's concepts of other folks like me.'
My concept was changing, too. We finished our dessert and gathered his things. Just outside the door, he paused. He turned to me and said, 'Come Ye blessed of my Father and inherit the kingdom I've prepared for you. For when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, a stranger and you took me in.'
I felt as if we were on holy ground.
'Could you use another Bible?' I asked.
He said he preferred a certain translation. It traveled well and was not too heavy. It was also his personal favorite. 'I've read through it 14 times,' he said.
'I'm not sure we've got one of those, but let's stop by our church and see.' I was able to find my new friend a Bible that would do well, and he seemed very grateful.
'Where are you headed from here?' I asked.
'Well, I found this little map on the back of this amusement park coupon.'
'Are you hoping to hire on there for awhile?'
'No, I just figure I should go there. I figure someone under that star right there needs a Bible, so that's where I'm going next.'
He smiled, and the warmth of his spirit radiated the sincerity of his mission. I drove him back to the town-square where we'd met two hours earlier, and as we drove, it started raining. We parked and unloaded his things.
'Would you sign my autograph book?' he asked. 'I like to keep messages from folks I meet.'
I wrote in his little book that his commitment to his calling had touched my life. I encouraged him to stay strong. And I left him with a verse of scripture from Jeremiah, 'I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you; Plans to give you a future and a hope.'
'Thanks, man,' he said. 'I know we just met and we're really just strangers, but I love you.'
'I know,' I said, 'I love you, too.' 'The Lord is good!'
'Yes, He is. How long has it been since someone hugged you?' I asked.
'A long time,' he replied
And so on the busy street corner in the drizzling rain, my new friend and I embraced, and I felt deep inside that I had been changed. He put his things on his back, smiled his winning smile and said, 'See you in the New Jerusalem.'
'I'll be there!' was my reply.
He began his journey again. He headed away with his sign dangling from his bed roll and pack of Bibles. He stopped, turned and said, 'When you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?'
'You bet,' I shouted back, 'God bless.'
'God bless.' And that was the last I saw of him.
Late that evening as I left my office, the wind blew strong. The cold front had settled hard upon the town. I bundled up and hurried to my car. As I sat back and reached for the emergency brake, I saw them... a pair of well-worn brown work gloves neatly laid over the length of the handle. I picked them up and thought of my friend and wondered if his hands would stay warm that night without them.
Then I remembered his words: 'If you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?'
Today his gloves lie on my desk in my office. They help me to see the world and its people in a new way, and they help me remember those two hours with my unique friend and to pray for his ministry. 'See you in the New Jerusalem,' he said. Yes, Daniel, I know I will...
If this story touched you, forward it to a friend!
'I shall pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again.'
My instructions were to send this to four people that I wanted God to bless and I picked you. Please pass this to four people you want to be blessed.
This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached. Please do not break this pattern. Prayer is one of the best gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards. Let's continue to pray for one another. God bless and have a nice day!
'Father, I ask you to bless my friends, relatives and e-mail buddies reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask you to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through your grace, In Jesus' precious Name Amen.'
I sent this to more than four, but this story is so touching I felt each of you would enjoy it greatly.
GOD BLESS YOU MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY!!!
Listening too
Prayer is not just talking,
speaking our minds, venting our issues,
dumping our troubles, all about us
A conversation instead, a two way street
time to speak and to listen to God
empowering us, giving us a chance
to hear God’s word, his message
his power infusing our lives
steeling us, filling us
bringing our lives to God
humbly, bowing, waiting, trusting
speaking and listening too.
March 23, 2009
Luke 11:1-13
and sermon,
“Are You Listening Lord?”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 22, 2009
speaking our minds, venting our issues,
dumping our troubles, all about us
A conversation instead, a two way street
time to speak and to listen to God
empowering us, giving us a chance
to hear God’s word, his message
his power infusing our lives
steeling us, filling us
bringing our lives to God
humbly, bowing, waiting, trusting
speaking and listening too.
March 23, 2009
Luke 11:1-13
and sermon,
“Are You Listening Lord?”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 22, 2009
Before We Ask
Before we ask, before we bow in prayer
God is working, to answer, to lift us up
to comfort our troubled souls
to reach down and lift us up
to care for his children
whether we are listening or not
there in the joys, there too in the struggles
in the challenges of life
Before we ask, he is with us
March 23, 2009
Luke 11:1-13
and sermon,
“Are You Listening Lord?”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 22, 2009
God is working, to answer, to lift us up
to comfort our troubled souls
to reach down and lift us up
to care for his children
whether we are listening or not
there in the joys, there too in the struggles
in the challenges of life
Before we ask, he is with us
March 23, 2009
Luke 11:1-13
and sermon,
“Are You Listening Lord?”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 22, 2009
Without Ceasing
prayers, or petition, of thanks
an act of worship, corporate, private
holy moments, without ceasing
seeking the presence of God
stilling ourselves, raising our voices
silent or aloud, calling to your Father
for comfort, for guidance, in thanksgiving
praying without ceasing
to our creator, our savior, our all.
March 23, 2009
Luke 11:1-13
and sermon,
“Are You Listening Lord?”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 22, 2009
an act of worship, corporate, private
holy moments, without ceasing
seeking the presence of God
stilling ourselves, raising our voices
silent or aloud, calling to your Father
for comfort, for guidance, in thanksgiving
praying without ceasing
to our creator, our savior, our all.
March 23, 2009
Luke 11:1-13
and sermon,
“Are You Listening Lord?”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 22, 2009
Speak to Me Lord
Oh speak to me, Lord
my heart, my ears are yearning
to hear, to listen, to receive
your majesty, your compassion
your message for me,
your presence here with me
March 22, 2009
Luke 11:1-13
and sermon,
“Are You Listening Lord?”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 22, 2009
my heart, my ears are yearning
to hear, to listen, to receive
your majesty, your compassion
your message for me,
your presence here with me
March 22, 2009
Luke 11:1-13
and sermon,
“Are You Listening Lord?”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 22, 2009
Without Words
Prayers, raised to God
even when there are no words yet
at a loss, when no words will come
Without words, our prayers,
still reaching, still touching
the ear of our creator,
Silent prayers raised to God.
March 22, 2009
Luke 11:1-13
and sermon,
“Are You Listening Lord?”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 22, 2009
even when there are no words yet
at a loss, when no words will come
Without words, our prayers,
still reaching, still touching
the ear of our creator,
Silent prayers raised to God.
March 22, 2009
Luke 11:1-13
and sermon,
“Are You Listening Lord?”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 22, 2009
When you pray
A grounding, an attitude
entering into prayer
so he taught them,
as he is teaching us
a way of communicating
without our one Father
Praying in the plural
it is “our”, “we”, “us”
an attitude of inclusion
offering, offered thanks,
petitions for more than ourselves
all to our one Father.
March 22, 2009
Luke 11:1-13
and sermon,
“Are You Listening Lord?”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 22, 2009
entering into prayer
so he taught them,
as he is teaching us
a way of communicating
without our one Father
Praying in the plural
it is “our”, “we”, “us”
an attitude of inclusion
offering, offered thanks,
petitions for more than ourselves
all to our one Father.
March 22, 2009
Luke 11:1-13
and sermon,
“Are You Listening Lord?”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 22, 2009
Trusting as a little child
simple prayer, trusting as a little child
so we should come to our Father
praying as they do, simply, no big words,
no complication needed,
for he knows what is in our hearts
even before we speak the words
even when the words do not come
come to the creator, to the master
humbly, as a little child
trusting that our prayers are heard
and they are answered, in God’s time;
listen for his voice
March 23, 2009
Luke 11:1-13
and sermon,
“Are You Listening Lord?”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 22, 2009
so we should come to our Father
praying as they do, simply, no big words,
no complication needed,
for he knows what is in our hearts
even before we speak the words
even when the words do not come
come to the creator, to the master
humbly, as a little child
trusting that our prayers are heard
and they are answered, in God’s time;
listen for his voice
March 23, 2009
Luke 11:1-13
and sermon,
“Are You Listening Lord?”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 22, 2009
Teach Us Lord
Teach us to pray
Teach us Lord
We humbly ask, of our Master
of our savior; teach us Lord
Teach us to pray
open our hearts, to your words
your words, your example
A prayer to the Father
lead us, humbly, to bow, to kneel
at the altar, at the prayer rail
Teach us, our brother
to speak and to listen
to seek and to follow the Master.
March 23, 2009
Luke 11:1-13
and sermon,
“Are You Listening Lord?”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 22, 2009
Teach us Lord
We humbly ask, of our Master
of our savior; teach us Lord
Teach us to pray
open our hearts, to your words
your words, your example
A prayer to the Father
lead us, humbly, to bow, to kneel
at the altar, at the prayer rail
Teach us, our brother
to speak and to listen
to seek and to follow the Master.
March 23, 2009
Luke 11:1-13
and sermon,
“Are You Listening Lord?”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 22, 2009
Seeing the Growth
Like more shoots, green, growing
rising up in my garden
Greater numbers
filling the pews, the sanctuary
vivid proof of the faithfulness
the servants who have toiled here
the planting, the watering
the weeding, the patience
growth coming, revealed
in its season, in due time
some would water, some would plant
God provides the growth
March 22, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
and its growth in attendance
Suncook, NH
---
and series of poems of June 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, June 22, 2008
rising up in my garden
Greater numbers
filling the pews, the sanctuary
vivid proof of the faithfulness
the servants who have toiled here
the planting, the watering
the weeding, the patience
growth coming, revealed
in its season, in due time
some would water, some would plant
God provides the growth
March 22, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
and its growth in attendance
Suncook, NH
---
and series of poems of June 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, June 22, 2008
Consecrated Space
In the consecration,
in the setting apart
in the gathering of your people
set apart for worship,
sanctuary, wherever we gather
to be sure; but in the space
formed for this purpose
saved, waiting for the congregation
ready for two or more,
to gather in his name,
or for when one, in need of your presence
humbly seeks your face
sacred, holy ground,
by the consecration
or by the gathering of believers
sanctuary.
March 22, 2009
based on comment posted to “Come Thirsty”,
“I like this poem a lot. Still, there's a sense in which
the church building is only sacred ground if the
Church meets there. When we meet with his people,
whether in a home or a public place or a business or a
church building, it becomes the sanctuary,
the place of the presence of God.”
----
Come Thirsty
Oh, come thirsty, come into the sanctuary
into the presence of God, a special place
onto sacred ground
be filled, be refreshed
to find the face of Christ
in our neighbors, in the words of song,
in the message in the scripture
the telling of the good news
Oh, come thirsty, come to the well
to the living waters of salvation
to be made new, in his image
to drink your fill, to run this race
with renewed strength
with faith as if a mustard seed
but able to move a mountain
stepping out of the boat onto water
Oh, come thirsty, to the Lord’s house
feeling his grace, all around you
entering into to worship, real worship
listening for that still small voice of God
his message, his call for your life
enter into his courts, fall at his altar
believe in his plan for you, from before your birth
plans to enrich you, and to bring your home
March 19, 2009
sign in front of Grace Capital Church,
Pembroke, NH
One side was Come Thirsty
the other side was Be Refreshed
in the setting apart
in the gathering of your people
set apart for worship,
sanctuary, wherever we gather
to be sure; but in the space
formed for this purpose
saved, waiting for the congregation
ready for two or more,
to gather in his name,
or for when one, in need of your presence
humbly seeks your face
sacred, holy ground,
by the consecration
or by the gathering of believers
sanctuary.
March 22, 2009
based on comment posted to “Come Thirsty”,
“I like this poem a lot. Still, there's a sense in which
the church building is only sacred ground if the
Church meets there. When we meet with his people,
whether in a home or a public place or a business or a
church building, it becomes the sanctuary,
the place of the presence of God.”
----
Come Thirsty
Oh, come thirsty, come into the sanctuary
into the presence of God, a special place
onto sacred ground
be filled, be refreshed
to find the face of Christ
in our neighbors, in the words of song,
in the message in the scripture
the telling of the good news
Oh, come thirsty, come to the well
to the living waters of salvation
to be made new, in his image
to drink your fill, to run this race
with renewed strength
with faith as if a mustard seed
but able to move a mountain
stepping out of the boat onto water
Oh, come thirsty, to the Lord’s house
feeling his grace, all around you
entering into to worship, real worship
listening for that still small voice of God
his message, his call for your life
enter into his courts, fall at his altar
believe in his plan for you, from before your birth
plans to enrich you, and to bring your home
March 19, 2009
sign in front of Grace Capital Church,
Pembroke, NH
One side was Come Thirsty
the other side was Be Refreshed
In Gathering There
A space, consecrated by the presence
by the gathering of your people
any room, any place – holy ground
like the tabernacle, the tents,
traveling with your people
no walls to bind you
God in the midst, a sanctuary
in the gathering of your people
so it is today, whether in holy space
or in space made holy,
it is the congregation of believers
standing together for your glory
which makes any space – holy ground
March 23, 2009
based on comment posted to “Come Thirsty”,
“I like this poem a lot. Still, there's a sense in which
the church building is only sacred ground if the
Church meets there. When we meet with his people,
whether in a home or a public place or a business or a
church building, it becomes the sanctuary,
the place of the presence of God.”
----
Come Thirsty
Oh, come thirsty, come into the sanctuary
into the presence of God, a special place
onto sacred ground
be filled, be refreshed
to find the face of Christ
in our neighbors, in the words of song,
in the message in the scripture
the telling of the good news
Oh, come thirsty, come to the well
to the living waters of salvation
to be made new, in his image
to drink your fill, to run this race
with renewed strength
with faith as if a mustard seed
but able to move a mountain
stepping out of the boat onto water
Oh, come thirsty, to the Lord’s house
feeling his grace, all around you
entering into to worship, real worship
listening for that still small voice of God
his message, his call for your life
enter into his courts, fall at his altar
believe in his plan for you, from before your birth
plans to enrich you, and to bring your home
March 19, 2009
sign in front of Grace Capital Church,
Pembroke, NH
One side was Come Thirsty
the other side was Be Refreshed
by the gathering of your people
any room, any place – holy ground
like the tabernacle, the tents,
traveling with your people
no walls to bind you
God in the midst, a sanctuary
in the gathering of your people
so it is today, whether in holy space
or in space made holy,
it is the congregation of believers
standing together for your glory
which makes any space – holy ground
March 23, 2009
based on comment posted to “Come Thirsty”,
“I like this poem a lot. Still, there's a sense in which
the church building is only sacred ground if the
Church meets there. When we meet with his people,
whether in a home or a public place or a business or a
church building, it becomes the sanctuary,
the place of the presence of God.”
----
Come Thirsty
Oh, come thirsty, come into the sanctuary
into the presence of God, a special place
onto sacred ground
be filled, be refreshed
to find the face of Christ
in our neighbors, in the words of song,
in the message in the scripture
the telling of the good news
Oh, come thirsty, come to the well
to the living waters of salvation
to be made new, in his image
to drink your fill, to run this race
with renewed strength
with faith as if a mustard seed
but able to move a mountain
stepping out of the boat onto water
Oh, come thirsty, to the Lord’s house
feeling his grace, all around you
entering into to worship, real worship
listening for that still small voice of God
his message, his call for your life
enter into his courts, fall at his altar
believe in his plan for you, from before your birth
plans to enrich you, and to bring your home
March 19, 2009
sign in front of Grace Capital Church,
Pembroke, NH
One side was Come Thirsty
the other side was Be Refreshed
Friday, March 20, 2009
Sermon - "How Can Even I Be Forgiven?”, by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, March 23, 2009, Boston Univerity School of Theology, Introduction to Preaching class
Intro to Preaching
Sermon #1
Luke 23:26-46
“The Message Bible”
"How Can Even I Be Forgiven?"
Have you noticed how hard it is to forgive at times? I mean there are things that happen in our lives and we just can’t let them go. You may feel as if people out to “get you” in so many ways. How are we expected to forgive someone who has wronged us? Imagine with me for a moment, you are a mother of a child who has been shot in a drive by shooting. Your child had been just playing in the yard, minding their own business, when someone drives by shooting up the neighborhood. Your child was an unexpected recipient of a stray bullet. You are now sitting in a courtroom where the person who shot your child is on trial. From the witness stand, you hear the words from this shooter asking for your forgiveness. They didn’t mean to do it. They were just trying to scare a rival gang. You hear, “Please forgive me. If I had known your child was there I never would have shot the gun off.” Please forgive me…what do you do?
This thought process reminds me of my daughters. They need to hear that they are forgiven in order for their world s to be set right again. More times I have heard them apologize to each other and if the other doesn’t say “I forgive you”, their world comes crashing down around them. Let alone if they apologize to my husband and I and the y don’t hear that “immediate” I forgive you. I can remember one time our youngest, Shanequa, did something to her sister Shyanne. Now let me tell you, our daughter Shyanne can harbor unforgiveness in her. Well, Shyanne decided that this was going to be one of those times when her sister was not going to receive her forgiveness. I can remember the look on poor Shanequa’s eyes, full of tears, as she exclaimed, “Mom…I told Shyanne that I am sorry and she won’t say ‘that’s OK, I forgive you’.” It was not until I talked to Shyanne about forgiveness and she said those immortal words to Shanequa, that Shanequa’s world was set right again and she could be “best buds” with Shyanne once more.
Forgiveness…why do our lives depend so much on this feel, this release of guilt, in our lives? I think that sometimes it is hardest to forgive ourselves. We think that what we said or have done is something that we can’t forgive ourselves for. Never mind someone else forgiving us for something we had done to them. We also have times in our lives that we feel that we are so unredeemable that even God can’t forgive us. God could never forgive all that we have done in our life. Oh sure, God can give this person or that person but I have done much more than they have done. How even I be forgiven? There is no way on earth that God will ever think of forgiving me. Well, we have part of that statement correct. There is no way on “earth” that God can forgive us. The key words here are “on earth”, there is no way that God would forgive us by the world’s standards, the earthly regulations that tell us who are and who are not forgivable. But praise be to God that the God of all compassion doesn’t judge by the worlds standards but by the ones our Judge of all mankind sets. (AMEN)
In the Scripture passage from this afternoon, we see God made flesh beginning that forgiving, redemptive part of why Jesus came to earth. Here we have two criminals and Jesus, the Word made Flesh, hanging on the cross. There are people around, jeering and laughing at Jesus. They are telling Him to save Himself if He is the Son of the Most High. Even one of the men on a cross with Him starts making fun of Him, telling Him to not only save Himself but him and the other guy there. But something strange happened while they were hanging there on their crosses, the man to His right told the other to shut-up, he doesn’t know what he was talking about, what he was playing with or whom he is speaking too. This man on Jesus’ right understood, he looked at Jesus not with the eyes of man but with the eyes of faith and hope. Through these eyes He saw who Jesus really was and with a repentive heart he asked Jesus to remember him when He came into His Kingdom. Jesus forgive me for what I have done and remember me, the one who sees who you really are, when you come into your kingdom. I want to be where you are from this day forward.
The next part of the story is what gives this piece of Luke’s Gospel hope for me. Jesus says to the man “Don’t worry, I’ll remember you. Today you join me in paradise.” Don’t worry, I forgive you. There is nothing too large or too small that I won’t forgive. All you have to do is ask. You can and will be with me from this day forward, no matter what. The beginning of that forgiving, redemptive power of our God and King…is here…at the cross. I like the way that John ends the Crucifixion story. In the Message Bible it ends with Jesus saying “It is done…Completed.” The beginning of that redemptive power is past…it’s just forward from here. Jesus completed that action needed to begin the healing process. The curtain has been torn, the gap has been bridge by the forgiving blood of the Lamb slain, our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ (hallelujah…AMEN!) We shall be with Him in paradise.
How can even I be forgiven? Before this miraculous event took place there was another event just as miraculous as this one. As the “fans” were jeering and laughing at Jesus, He did something that I count as nothing short of a miracle in itself. As they tortured and jeered, Jesus looked up in heaven and said “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.” Forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing. Now I don’t know about you but if that was me I would be up there like “OK dad…smite them all! I am done with trying to teach these people the right way to live. I did nothing to deserve this so I need you to come to my rescue, I’ll come back home and we’ll talk about it over a cup of cappuccino and all will be good.” Forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing. They knew exactly what they were doing in my book, they were killing an innocent man is what they were doing, all because He went against the status quo of the time. What can we do that is worse than that and still be forgiven by God?
Beloved, there is nothing that you or I can do that makes us unforgiveable, unredeemable, in God’s eyes. In Paul’s letter to the church in Rome states “I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” You see, while we were sinners, Christ died for us so that we may be restored to a right relationship with the God of forgiveness and understanding.
But it doesn’t stop here. You see, we are forgiven so that we may also extend that forgiveness to one another. You know that question I asked about what you would do if being asked to forgive someone who had wronged you. I think the answer lies in this equation. I am not saying that it has to be an instantaneous thing and sometimes we have to “fake it till we make it” but it is something that has to happen to begin the healing process. This also applies when we are taking about ourselves. It may take time but it is a crucial part of our walk with God. If we can’t forgive ourselves as God has forgiven us, how can we forgive others as God has forgiven us?
Forgiveness, it is like a balm in Gilead that can heal deep wounds that we inflict on others as well as on ourselves. Let us model our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and put on His likeness as we say “forgive them (and ourselves), they didn’t (we didn’t) know what they (we) are doing.”
AMEN
Sermon #1
Luke 23:26-46
“The Message Bible”
"How Can Even I Be Forgiven?"
Have you noticed how hard it is to forgive at times? I mean there are things that happen in our lives and we just can’t let them go. You may feel as if people out to “get you” in so many ways. How are we expected to forgive someone who has wronged us? Imagine with me for a moment, you are a mother of a child who has been shot in a drive by shooting. Your child had been just playing in the yard, minding their own business, when someone drives by shooting up the neighborhood. Your child was an unexpected recipient of a stray bullet. You are now sitting in a courtroom where the person who shot your child is on trial. From the witness stand, you hear the words from this shooter asking for your forgiveness. They didn’t mean to do it. They were just trying to scare a rival gang. You hear, “Please forgive me. If I had known your child was there I never would have shot the gun off.” Please forgive me…what do you do?
This thought process reminds me of my daughters. They need to hear that they are forgiven in order for their world s to be set right again. More times I have heard them apologize to each other and if the other doesn’t say “I forgive you”, their world comes crashing down around them. Let alone if they apologize to my husband and I and the y don’t hear that “immediate” I forgive you. I can remember one time our youngest, Shanequa, did something to her sister Shyanne. Now let me tell you, our daughter Shyanne can harbor unforgiveness in her. Well, Shyanne decided that this was going to be one of those times when her sister was not going to receive her forgiveness. I can remember the look on poor Shanequa’s eyes, full of tears, as she exclaimed, “Mom…I told Shyanne that I am sorry and she won’t say ‘that’s OK, I forgive you’.” It was not until I talked to Shyanne about forgiveness and she said those immortal words to Shanequa, that Shanequa’s world was set right again and she could be “best buds” with Shyanne once more.
Forgiveness…why do our lives depend so much on this feel, this release of guilt, in our lives? I think that sometimes it is hardest to forgive ourselves. We think that what we said or have done is something that we can’t forgive ourselves for. Never mind someone else forgiving us for something we had done to them. We also have times in our lives that we feel that we are so unredeemable that even God can’t forgive us. God could never forgive all that we have done in our life. Oh sure, God can give this person or that person but I have done much more than they have done. How even I be forgiven? There is no way on earth that God will ever think of forgiving me. Well, we have part of that statement correct. There is no way on “earth” that God can forgive us. The key words here are “on earth”, there is no way that God would forgive us by the world’s standards, the earthly regulations that tell us who are and who are not forgivable. But praise be to God that the God of all compassion doesn’t judge by the worlds standards but by the ones our Judge of all mankind sets. (AMEN)
In the Scripture passage from this afternoon, we see God made flesh beginning that forgiving, redemptive part of why Jesus came to earth. Here we have two criminals and Jesus, the Word made Flesh, hanging on the cross. There are people around, jeering and laughing at Jesus. They are telling Him to save Himself if He is the Son of the Most High. Even one of the men on a cross with Him starts making fun of Him, telling Him to not only save Himself but him and the other guy there. But something strange happened while they were hanging there on their crosses, the man to His right told the other to shut-up, he doesn’t know what he was talking about, what he was playing with or whom he is speaking too. This man on Jesus’ right understood, he looked at Jesus not with the eyes of man but with the eyes of faith and hope. Through these eyes He saw who Jesus really was and with a repentive heart he asked Jesus to remember him when He came into His Kingdom. Jesus forgive me for what I have done and remember me, the one who sees who you really are, when you come into your kingdom. I want to be where you are from this day forward.
The next part of the story is what gives this piece of Luke’s Gospel hope for me. Jesus says to the man “Don’t worry, I’ll remember you. Today you join me in paradise.” Don’t worry, I forgive you. There is nothing too large or too small that I won’t forgive. All you have to do is ask. You can and will be with me from this day forward, no matter what. The beginning of that forgiving, redemptive power of our God and King…is here…at the cross. I like the way that John ends the Crucifixion story. In the Message Bible it ends with Jesus saying “It is done…Completed.” The beginning of that redemptive power is past…it’s just forward from here. Jesus completed that action needed to begin the healing process. The curtain has been torn, the gap has been bridge by the forgiving blood of the Lamb slain, our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ (hallelujah…AMEN!) We shall be with Him in paradise.
How can even I be forgiven? Before this miraculous event took place there was another event just as miraculous as this one. As the “fans” were jeering and laughing at Jesus, He did something that I count as nothing short of a miracle in itself. As they tortured and jeered, Jesus looked up in heaven and said “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.” Forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing. Now I don’t know about you but if that was me I would be up there like “OK dad…smite them all! I am done with trying to teach these people the right way to live. I did nothing to deserve this so I need you to come to my rescue, I’ll come back home and we’ll talk about it over a cup of cappuccino and all will be good.” Forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing. They knew exactly what they were doing in my book, they were killing an innocent man is what they were doing, all because He went against the status quo of the time. What can we do that is worse than that and still be forgiven by God?
Beloved, there is nothing that you or I can do that makes us unforgiveable, unredeemable, in God’s eyes. In Paul’s letter to the church in Rome states “I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” You see, while we were sinners, Christ died for us so that we may be restored to a right relationship with the God of forgiveness and understanding.
But it doesn’t stop here. You see, we are forgiven so that we may also extend that forgiveness to one another. You know that question I asked about what you would do if being asked to forgive someone who had wronged you. I think the answer lies in this equation. I am not saying that it has to be an instantaneous thing and sometimes we have to “fake it till we make it” but it is something that has to happen to begin the healing process. This also applies when we are taking about ourselves. It may take time but it is a crucial part of our walk with God. If we can’t forgive ourselves as God has forgiven us, how can we forgive others as God has forgiven us?
Forgiveness, it is like a balm in Gilead that can heal deep wounds that we inflict on others as well as on ourselves. Let us model our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and put on His likeness as we say “forgive them (and ourselves), they didn’t (we didn’t) know what they (we) are doing.”
AMEN
Thursday, March 19, 2009
God is Waiting
Like the father of the prodigal son
ever waiting for his return
so is God, waiting for us
for each one, in their own time
by their free will alone
waiting for us to turn to him
to give our hearts, our minds, our hands
to our father, to his son, to the spirit
living within us, from before time
the breath of life, the source of our strength
the giver, the creator, our savior
all, triune and immortal
waiting for us, frail, weak, human
to choose to turn from our ways
to repent and to believe
March 19, 2009
sign in front of Grace Capital Church,
Pembroke, NH
One side was Come Thirsty
the other side was Be Refreshed
and the sign in front of Hillside Baptist Church
on the other side of the street,
One side was Turn Right, God is Waiting,
the other side was Turn Left, God is Waiting
ever waiting for his return
so is God, waiting for us
for each one, in their own time
by their free will alone
waiting for us to turn to him
to give our hearts, our minds, our hands
to our father, to his son, to the spirit
living within us, from before time
the breath of life, the source of our strength
the giver, the creator, our savior
all, triune and immortal
waiting for us, frail, weak, human
to choose to turn from our ways
to repent and to believe
March 19, 2009
sign in front of Grace Capital Church,
Pembroke, NH
One side was Come Thirsty
the other side was Be Refreshed
and the sign in front of Hillside Baptist Church
on the other side of the street,
One side was Turn Right, God is Waiting,
the other side was Turn Left, God is Waiting
Come Thirsty
Oh, come thirsty, come into the sanctuary
into the presence of God, a special place
onto sacred ground
be filled, be refreshed
to find the face of Christ
in our neighbors, in the words of song,
in the message in the scripture
the telling of the good news
Oh, come thirsty, come to the well
to the living waters of salvation
to be made new, in his image
to drink your fill, to run this race
with renewed strength
with faith as if a mustard seed
but able to move a mountain
stepping out of the boat onto water
Oh, come thirsty, to the Lord’s house
feeling his grace, all around you
entering into to worship, real worship
listening for that still small voice of God
his message, his call for your life
enter into his courts, fall at his altar
believe in his plan for you, from before your birth
plans to enrich you, and to bring your home
March 19, 2009
sign in front of Grace Capital Church,
Pembroke, NH
One side was Come Thirsty
the other side was Be Refreshed
into the presence of God, a special place
onto sacred ground
be filled, be refreshed
to find the face of Christ
in our neighbors, in the words of song,
in the message in the scripture
the telling of the good news
Oh, come thirsty, come to the well
to the living waters of salvation
to be made new, in his image
to drink your fill, to run this race
with renewed strength
with faith as if a mustard seed
but able to move a mountain
stepping out of the boat onto water
Oh, come thirsty, to the Lord’s house
feeling his grace, all around you
entering into to worship, real worship
listening for that still small voice of God
his message, his call for your life
enter into his courts, fall at his altar
believe in his plan for you, from before your birth
plans to enrich you, and to bring your home
March 19, 2009
sign in front of Grace Capital Church,
Pembroke, NH
One side was Come Thirsty
the other side was Be Refreshed
All of my
poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved.
Contact me at Ray
Foss for usage. See all 30,820+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Be Refreshed
Be refreshed in the living word of God
center yourself, quiet your spirit,
still your mind and open your heart
for he is calling you, even now
waiting for your journey
to lead you to his open arms
His grace sufficient
his sacrifice enough
come into his presence
abide in his love, in the father’s sheepfold
walk with our savior, yoked to him
enter in, and be refreshed
all who are thirsty; drink
March 19, 2009
sign in front of Grace Capital Church,
Pembroke, NH
One side was Come Thirsty
the other side was Be Refreshed
and the sign in front of Hillside Baptist Church
on the other side of the street,
One side was Turn Right, God is Waiting,
the other side was Turn Left, God is Waiting
center yourself, quiet your spirit,
still your mind and open your heart
for he is calling you, even now
waiting for your journey
to lead you to his open arms
His grace sufficient
his sacrifice enough
come into his presence
abide in his love, in the father’s sheepfold
walk with our savior, yoked to him
enter in, and be refreshed
all who are thirsty; drink
March 19, 2009
sign in front of Grace Capital Church,
Pembroke, NH
One side was Come Thirsty
the other side was Be Refreshed
and the sign in front of Hillside Baptist Church
on the other side of the street,
One side was Turn Right, God is Waiting,
the other side was Turn Left, God is Waiting
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Grace abounding
Grace abounding, surrounding
Amazing grace,
So the song goes.
Reaching us, finding us, if we but pause
and look for the grace that is there.
Amazing grace, what power there is
that reaches an eager heart,
Grace that find us where we are,
clearing the mist, the cares, the fog,
that which keeps us from You
For it is grace which will bring me
bring all of us, home
into the presence of our Lord
March 18, 2009
Amazing grace,
So the song goes.
Reaching us, finding us, if we but pause
and look for the grace that is there.
Amazing grace, what power there is
that reaches an eager heart,
Grace that find us where we are,
clearing the mist, the cares, the fog,
that which keeps us from You
For it is grace which will bring me
bring all of us, home
into the presence of our Lord
March 18, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Really Listening
Hanging on every word
no cares, no worries
present fully in the moment
every word, every thought
peals, jewels, treasures beyond measure
Patient, not rushing, stilling ourselves
Waiting, trusting, letting go
Relying on God to speak
to each of us, by his plan
in his time, as he wills it
Listening, as if hearing for the first time
Taking our time, the message as it comes
that still small voice, the whisper of God
calling across time, in the wilderness
Mindful, purposeful, listening.
Lord. Speak to your servants
Listening for your word.
March 17, 2009
Psalm 84
Luke 10:38-42 and
Sermon, “Christian Spiritual Disciplines: Listening”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
March 1, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH
no cares, no worries
present fully in the moment
every word, every thought
peals, jewels, treasures beyond measure
Patient, not rushing, stilling ourselves
Waiting, trusting, letting go
Relying on God to speak
to each of us, by his plan
in his time, as he wills it
Listening, as if hearing for the first time
Taking our time, the message as it comes
that still small voice, the whisper of God
calling across time, in the wilderness
Mindful, purposeful, listening.
Lord. Speak to your servants
Listening for your word.
March 17, 2009
Psalm 84
Luke 10:38-42 and
Sermon, “Christian Spiritual Disciplines: Listening”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
March 1, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH
Worshipping
Living, walking, before God
in his presence, ever
praising God, in word, in deed,
in truth; in the sanctuary,
in our work, in our service
New eyes to see God
devotion, love eternal
out of our heart’s desire
in all we say, all we do
Worshipping our creator,
our sustainer, our savior
All the days of our lives
March 17, 2009
Revelations 4:1-11
Psalm 95:1-3, 6-7a
Daniel 3:28-29
John 4:20-24 and sermon,
“Church… Isn’t Just for Sunday Anymore”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 8, 2009
in his presence, ever
praising God, in word, in deed,
in truth; in the sanctuary,
in our work, in our service
New eyes to see God
devotion, love eternal
out of our heart’s desire
in all we say, all we do
Worshipping our creator,
our sustainer, our savior
All the days of our lives
March 17, 2009
Revelations 4:1-11
Psalm 95:1-3, 6-7a
Daniel 3:28-29
John 4:20-24 and sermon,
“Church… Isn’t Just for Sunday Anymore”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 8, 2009
Emptied Himself
He emptied himself,
his Godliness, making himself human
humble, a servant, a slave to the master
even to death
But his skin, was love,
his healing touch, his life in the world
a balm to all,
to being us back to God
March 10, 2009 and March 17, 2009
Philippians 2:7
Philippians 2:5-11
& book, Walking with Christ Everyday:
365 daily devotions for men, Day 67
“Infinite Love” and
quote attributed to Corrie ten Bloom,
“I have a glove here in my hand. The glove cannot
do anything by itself, but when my hand is in it, it
can do many things. True, it is not the glove, but my
hand in the glove that acts. We are gloves. It is the
Holy Spirit in us who is the hand, who does the job.
We have to make room for the hand so that
every finger is filled.”
his Godliness, making himself human
humble, a servant, a slave to the master
even to death
But his skin, was love,
his healing touch, his life in the world
a balm to all,
to being us back to God
March 10, 2009 and March 17, 2009
Philippians 2:7
Philippians 2:5-11
& book, Walking with Christ Everyday:
365 daily devotions for men, Day 67
“Infinite Love” and
quote attributed to Corrie ten Bloom,
“I have a glove here in my hand. The glove cannot
do anything by itself, but when my hand is in it, it
can do many things. True, it is not the glove, but my
hand in the glove that acts. We are gloves. It is the
Holy Spirit in us who is the hand, who does the job.
We have to make room for the hand so that
every finger is filled.”
In Weakness
In weakness grace,
in humility power,
in relying on God
righteousness
March 10, 2009 and March 17, 2009
2 Corinthians 12:9
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is
made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
in humility power,
in relying on God
righteousness
March 10, 2009 and March 17, 2009
2 Corinthians 12:9
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is
made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Simple Signs
The cross, the symbol, the sign
not lofty law, proofs, signs
not the wisdom of the book
The cross alone, humiliation
pain, suffering, transformed
hope in that one offering
that act of sacrifice
the grace of God made flesh
not to be studied, but to believe
March 10, 2009 and March 17, 2009
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
Upper Room Disciplines 2009, March 9, 2009
not lofty law, proofs, signs
not the wisdom of the book
The cross alone, humiliation
pain, suffering, transformed
hope in that one offering
that act of sacrifice
the grace of God made flesh
not to be studied, but to believe
March 10, 2009 and March 17, 2009
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
Upper Room Disciplines 2009, March 9, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Like Glass Jars
Our lives, like glass jars
filled by the stones,
by sand, by water
Be purposeful in filling
the days of your life;
beginning with the stones
so that there is room for
the important things of life
For, if we are not mindful
merely sand, merely water
filling our days,
unfocused and busy
without focus or purpose.
March 15, 2009
Matthew 11:28-30
Romans 12:3-13
Matthew 23:1-12
and sermon, “’Tis a Gift to Be Simple, ‘Tis a Gift to Be Free”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 15, 2009
filled by the stones,
by sand, by water
Be purposeful in filling
the days of your life;
beginning with the stones
so that there is room for
the important things of life
For, if we are not mindful
merely sand, merely water
filling our days,
unfocused and busy
without focus or purpose.
March 15, 2009
Matthew 11:28-30
Romans 12:3-13
Matthew 23:1-12
and sermon, “’Tis a Gift to Be Simple, ‘Tis a Gift to Be Free”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 15, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Simple
The word, simple, in some circles a put down
someone simple is a negative thing
simple, slow, uneducated, not with it
Simple, in the greater sense, a holy simpleness
focused on only that which matters, shedding the burdens
the shackles of the rat race, the cultural demands
the loads we all accept, all too willingly
gathered up, hefted onto our shoulders
a great weight, hanging heavy
Simple, in seeing the beauty of the moment
the wonder of creation
the creator’s hands working in the world
in the way of things, purposeful
Simple, slowing down, even if a bit
to linger with the word, to spend time with family
to relax in the luxury of grace
Taking time for God and the simple,
important things of life
March 15, 2009
Matthew 11:28-30
Romans 12:3-13
Matthew 23:1-12
and sermon, “’Tis a Gift to Be Simple, ‘Tis a Gift to Be Free”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 15, 2009
someone simple is a negative thing
simple, slow, uneducated, not with it
Simple, in the greater sense, a holy simpleness
focused on only that which matters, shedding the burdens
the shackles of the rat race, the cultural demands
the loads we all accept, all too willingly
gathered up, hefted onto our shoulders
a great weight, hanging heavy
Simple, in seeing the beauty of the moment
the wonder of creation
the creator’s hands working in the world
in the way of things, purposeful
Simple, slowing down, even if a bit
to linger with the word, to spend time with family
to relax in the luxury of grace
Taking time for God and the simple,
important things of life
March 15, 2009
Matthew 11:28-30
Romans 12:3-13
Matthew 23:1-12
and sermon, “’Tis a Gift to Be Simple, ‘Tis a Gift to Be Free”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 15, 2009
Rest Under His Yoke
Rest from the burdens, the heavy loads
of life, of our day to day, our lives cluttered
filled by the urgent, not the important
Rest from the struggles, in the grace of simplicity
the discipline of letting go, of setting down
the unnecessary load, of picking up the yoke of Christ
Rest under his yoke, sharing the journey with our savior
walking in his presence, in his light, transformed
released of the loads, the burdens we have carried
Rest for the journey, focused, our eyes on him,
our heart, our faces, set for Jerusalem, to his destiny
understanding more fully, perhaps, the words of the master
Rest for today, for tomorrow, lives ordered by the rocks,
by the important things of our walk, our days
Rest in our Lord, under his yoke, together
March 15, 2009
Matthew 11:28-30
Romans 12:3-13
Matthew 23:1-12
and sermon, “’Tis a Gift to Be Simple, ‘Tis a Gift to Be Free”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 15, 2009
of life, of our day to day, our lives cluttered
filled by the urgent, not the important
Rest from the struggles, in the grace of simplicity
the discipline of letting go, of setting down
the unnecessary load, of picking up the yoke of Christ
Rest under his yoke, sharing the journey with our savior
walking in his presence, in his light, transformed
released of the loads, the burdens we have carried
Rest for the journey, focused, our eyes on him,
our heart, our faces, set for Jerusalem, to his destiny
understanding more fully, perhaps, the words of the master
Rest for today, for tomorrow, lives ordered by the rocks,
by the important things of our walk, our days
Rest in our Lord, under his yoke, together
March 15, 2009
Matthew 11:28-30
Romans 12:3-13
Matthew 23:1-12
and sermon, “’Tis a Gift to Be Simple, ‘Tis a Gift to Be Free”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 15, 2009
Return to the Cross
To understand, the real weight
the gravity of his act, we must return
As we return to Bethlehem,
as we kneel at the manger bed.
We travel, we journey,
our face, with his, set on Jerusalem,
We return to the cross
to his suffering, to his sacrifice
Each Lenten season a pilgrimage
from our comfort, our day to day
Walking beside our savior,
journeying with him, as they did
The first disciples, not fully comprehending
needing too this reminder
these days of reflection
preparing us, our lives to him
as we return to the cross.
March 15, 2009
on posting the poem, “Return to Bethlehem”,
to christianpoetry.org today
-----
Return to Bethlehem
We must return, to Nazareth, to Bethlehem
to the river, the Jordan
to the time of the Christ, with us
before his birth, hopeful, waiting
wondering when the Messiah will come
when the prophecy of old will be fulfilled
Each year, Adventide
journeying with Mary, with Joseph
following His star, traveling far
leaving our fields, listening to the angels
Returning to Bethlehem
to fall to our knees
at his manger bed
December 12 and 13, 2008
the gravity of his act, we must return
As we return to Bethlehem,
as we kneel at the manger bed.
We travel, we journey,
our face, with his, set on Jerusalem,
We return to the cross
to his suffering, to his sacrifice
Each Lenten season a pilgrimage
from our comfort, our day to day
Walking beside our savior,
journeying with him, as they did
The first disciples, not fully comprehending
needing too this reminder
these days of reflection
preparing us, our lives to him
as we return to the cross.
March 15, 2009
on posting the poem, “Return to Bethlehem”,
to christianpoetry.org today
-----
Return to Bethlehem
We must return, to Nazareth, to Bethlehem
to the river, the Jordan
to the time of the Christ, with us
before his birth, hopeful, waiting
wondering when the Messiah will come
when the prophecy of old will be fulfilled
Each year, Adventide
journeying with Mary, with Joseph
following His star, traveling far
leaving our fields, listening to the angels
Returning to Bethlehem
to fall to our knees
at his manger bed
December 12 and 13, 2008
The Rocks
His sermon, on the rocks
the important things in our lives,
not the sand, the water, the little things
the distractions that fill our days
remembering to start with the rocks
those things, the people, our faith,
of lasting worth, of value
Starting there, the rest falling into place
carrying only the yoke of Christ,
not the unnecessary burdens, the law,
our culture’s demands
simplicity in our walk
focus, rest from our burdens
caring about the rocks alone
the rest to follow in its time
March 15, 2009
Matthew 11:28-30
Romans 12:3-13
Matthew 23:1-12
and sermon, “’Tis a Gift to Be Simple, ‘Tis a Gift to Be Free”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 15, 2009
the important things in our lives,
not the sand, the water, the little things
the distractions that fill our days
remembering to start with the rocks
those things, the people, our faith,
of lasting worth, of value
Starting there, the rest falling into place
carrying only the yoke of Christ,
not the unnecessary burdens, the law,
our culture’s demands
simplicity in our walk
focus, rest from our burdens
caring about the rocks alone
the rest to follow in its time
March 15, 2009
Matthew 11:28-30
Romans 12:3-13
Matthew 23:1-12
and sermon, “’Tis a Gift to Be Simple, ‘Tis a Gift to Be Free”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 15, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
In Meeting
In the act of meeting,
In Congress, a body politic;
but unlike a select few, direct democracy
people showing up, standing up,
speaking their minds, sharing from their hearts
out of their fears, out of their duty,
their sense of responsibility for our world
even in hard times, standing up,
speaking with a clear voice –
that now was the time,
this was our moment
to gather as a people in the hall
and affirm a change, though there is cost,
a change that will reap rewards
both real and intangible
to spend so that we may save
to act so that our heirs
will share a little more
a better world passed on
to them; in meeting today
we did those who came before proud
honoring their sacrifice, and the beliefs
they have fought and died for alive
once more, gathering together
a people acting out of duty,
out of right, out of responsibility
one person, one vote, in open meeting
before our neighbors accountable
for this season, and a future yet to come
March 14, 2009
Town Meeting
Pembroke, NH
on the passing of warrants to start
mandatory recycling and
automated trash collection
In Congress, a body politic;
but unlike a select few, direct democracy
people showing up, standing up,
speaking their minds, sharing from their hearts
out of their fears, out of their duty,
their sense of responsibility for our world
even in hard times, standing up,
speaking with a clear voice –
that now was the time,
this was our moment
to gather as a people in the hall
and affirm a change, though there is cost,
a change that will reap rewards
both real and intangible
to spend so that we may save
to act so that our heirs
will share a little more
a better world passed on
to them; in meeting today
we did those who came before proud
honoring their sacrifice, and the beliefs
they have fought and died for alive
once more, gathering together
a people acting out of duty,
out of right, out of responsibility
one person, one vote, in open meeting
before our neighbors accountable
for this season, and a future yet to come
March 14, 2009
Town Meeting
Pembroke, NH
on the passing of warrants to start
mandatory recycling and
automated trash collection
Friday, March 13, 2009
The Fringes of Heaven
Rising, up to the mountain
touching the fringes of heaven
Descending again
to the reality of earth
In the cloud, the heavens
the voice of God
Turning to Christ
solemn silence
following the master’s will
Part of the plan
all in the father’s time
March 12, 2009
Mark 9:2-9
Transfiguration
Upper Room Disciplines 2009, March 7, 2009
Upper Room Disciplines 2009, March 8, 2009
touching the fringes of heaven
Descending again
to the reality of earth
In the cloud, the heavens
the voice of God
Turning to Christ
solemn silence
following the master’s will
Part of the plan
all in the father’s time
March 12, 2009
Mark 9:2-9
Transfiguration
Upper Room Disciplines 2009, March 7, 2009
Upper Room Disciplines 2009, March 8, 2009
Look Up to the Skies
Listen, see, look
The majesty of God
look up to the skies
a heavenly chorus
the handiwork of the creator
his glory, his precision, his power
proclaiming across the skies
all of his creation singing
his praise, his love
Look up to the skies
hear their voices
The majesty of God
look up to the skies
a heavenly chorus
the handiwork of the creator
his glory, his precision, his power
proclaiming across the skies
all of his creation singing
his praise, his love
Look up to the skies
hear their voices
================
edited December 13, 2018
Look Up to the Skies – v2
March 12, 2009
Look Up to the Skies
Psalms 19:1-6
Upper Room Disciplines 2009, March 10, 2009
All
of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999,
2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012,
2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. All rights are reserved. Contact me at
Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)
for usage. See all 48,210 of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Christ,
creation, creator, Faith, God, Spirit, hands, heaven, hope, love, ministry, poem,
poetry, Poetry Where You Live, power, Psalm 19, sing, star, Upper Room, voice,
#Christ
#creation #creator #Faith #God #Spirit #hands #heaven #hope #love #ministry #poem
#poetry #power #Psalm19 #sing #star #UpperRoom #voice
Before the Law
Faith, before the law,
over the law, a nation,
a people descended
from him, by faith
heirs like him
to the promise, covenant
Before the law, was his faith;
After the law, by a new covenant
by our faith, with Him
life everlasting
March 12, 2009
Romans 4:13-17
Romans 4:13-35
Upper Room Disciplines 2009, March 4, 2009
Upper Room Disciplines 2009, March 6, 2009
over the law, a nation,
a people descended
from him, by faith
heirs like him
to the promise, covenant
Before the law, was his faith;
After the law, by a new covenant
by our faith, with Him
life everlasting
March 12, 2009
Romans 4:13-17
Romans 4:13-35
Upper Room Disciplines 2009, March 4, 2009
Upper Room Disciplines 2009, March 6, 2009
Why He Suffered
For a plan, a prophesy
for the will of God, he suffered
he had to suffer
So sure, so clear,
foretelling his own suffering
knowing, as he did
the steps of his life
soon to be played out
his face toward Jerusalem
inexorably leading to the cross
no turning back,
following the father’s will;
why he suffered.
March 12, 2009
Mark 8:31-38
for the will of God, he suffered
he had to suffer
So sure, so clear,
foretelling his own suffering
knowing, as he did
the steps of his life
soon to be played out
his face toward Jerusalem
inexorably leading to the cross
no turning back,
following the father’s will;
why he suffered.
March 12, 2009
Mark 8:31-38
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Then God Spoke
Then God spoke all these words,
so started the familiar words,
the holiest words of law,
the commandments of God
the precise, the quoted words
written by his servant, only
Amaneusis to God, his stenographer alone
bearing the words of God
spoken on the mountaintop
to the people of God
March 11, 2009
Ten Commandments
Exodus 20:1-17
so started the familiar words,
the holiest words of law,
the commandments of God
the precise, the quoted words
written by his servant, only
Amaneusis to God, his stenographer alone
bearing the words of God
spoken on the mountaintop
to the people of God
March 11, 2009
Ten Commandments
Exodus 20:1-17
The Familiar Words
The familiar words, the law,
the commandments of God
new this reading, that they were all spoken
words from the mouth of God
spoken aloud to his servant
so that he might hear them, their power
the voice of God proclaiming
the shall and the shall not
the words of his law spoken first
from the mouth of God to his servant
from his mouth to the people
down through the generations
March 11, 2009
Ten Commandments
Exodus 20:1-17
the commandments of God
new this reading, that they were all spoken
words from the mouth of God
spoken aloud to his servant
so that he might hear them, their power
the voice of God proclaiming
the shall and the shall not
the words of his law spoken first
from the mouth of God to his servant
from his mouth to the people
down through the generations
March 11, 2009
Ten Commandments
Exodus 20:1-17
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Within the Heart
Within the heart,
the essence of worship
Lord, in that core
that kernel,
it is you, your sacrifice
your grace, on the cross
giving yourself, to death,
into the arms of death
that I may live
Your love for me, in my heart
leading me to your throne
Your spirit abiding, growing
leading me to praise,
to worship you, endlessly
on my knees, in my heart
You alone.
Revelations 4:1-11
Psalm 95:1-3, 6-7a
Daniel 3:28-29
John 4:20-24 and sermon,
“Church… Isn’t Just for Sunday Anymore”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 8, 2009
the essence of worship
Lord, in that core
that kernel,
it is you, your sacrifice
your grace, on the cross
giving yourself, to death,
into the arms of death
that I may live
Your love for me, in my heart
leading me to your throne
Your spirit abiding, growing
leading me to praise,
to worship you, endlessly
on my knees, in my heart
You alone.
Revelations 4:1-11
Psalm 95:1-3, 6-7a
Daniel 3:28-29
John 4:20-24 and sermon,
“Church… Isn’t Just for Sunday Anymore”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 8, 2009
Voting
Putting on my suit, my tie,
remembering the sacrifice, the will
the honor of those who penned the words
of our Declaration, our Constitution
of the blood, shed for our privilege
Our right to vote. A solemn responsibility
claiming that for which they fought,
that for which they died, on battlefields stained
innocent, righteous blood.
For them, for their honor, we vote
little pieces of liberty, of freedom
in each check, each ballot, each number,
counting our recognition, our duty
our nation, in the act of voting
March 10, 2009
Voting Day
Pembroke, NH
remembering the sacrifice, the will
the honor of those who penned the words
of our Declaration, our Constitution
of the blood, shed for our privilege
Our right to vote. A solemn responsibility
claiming that for which they fought,
that for which they died, on battlefields stained
innocent, righteous blood.
For them, for their honor, we vote
little pieces of liberty, of freedom
in each check, each ballot, each number,
counting our recognition, our duty
our nation, in the act of voting
March 10, 2009
Voting Day
Pembroke, NH
Melting
So sudden, so certain
the heavy wet, back-tiring snow
yesterday, today a torrent,
melting heavily, quickly
the March sun beating, azure-blue sky
untrammeled by clouds, shimmering instead
almost too blue to look, drinking in the light
a cascade, heavy rivulets, falling heavy
off the roof, the gutter, little streams
melting quickly, urgently
spring coming, winter’s defeat coming
in the melting, the warming of the sun
the urging of the seasons, the turning of the dial
the grip of the white failing
in the melting of the snow
March 10, 2009
the heavy wet, back-tiring snow
yesterday, today a torrent,
melting heavily, quickly
the March sun beating, azure-blue sky
untrammeled by clouds, shimmering instead
almost too blue to look, drinking in the light
a cascade, heavy rivulets, falling heavy
off the roof, the gutter, little streams
melting quickly, urgently
spring coming, winter’s defeat coming
in the melting, the warming of the sun
the urging of the seasons, the turning of the dial
the grip of the white failing
in the melting of the snow
March 10, 2009
Monday, March 09, 2009
Sermon - "Worship…it’s not just for Sunday anymore!", by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, March 8, 2009, Suncook United Methodist Church
Revelation 4
NLT Version
Prayer: God of ages past and present, we come today to hear the word You have for us today. We ask that you would pour out your Spirit on us gathered here today. Enlighten us and enable us to see how you would have us worship You. Searcher of our hearts, renew us each day so that we may stand the test of trials in our lives. Strength of our lives, help us to stand strong so that you may be glorified through us in all that we do. Speak Lord, Your servants are listening. Amen.
Have any of you ever watched the church services on the Television? I know I have. I look on in awe seeing all those lifted hands in praise, all those people who are into the moment of worship. These people look as if they are in the presence of God. I have wanted to be where they are so much. To be in the presence of the Creator of all…what a feeling that is...knowing that God has come down in Spirit and entered into your worship of Him. But…I have a question for you this morning…what is your definition of worship? What makes you feel as if you are worshipping the Eternal Source of knowledge…the Awesome One…Creator of heaven and earth? (Give time for congregation to answer) Well when I think of worshipping God I think of worshipping Him with all my heart, mind body and soul.
I looked up the definition of worship in the dictionary (yes even we all knowing, all seeing pastors need a little help at times) and there were many definitions there. One is to idolize; to love unquestionably (Well…there are things and people in my life I idolize but I don’t really think that this definition suits me too well). Another is to show devotion to (Well there are many things I am devoted too…reading devotions and praying to begin my day…I’m devoted to my husband and children…I am devoted to you as a church…but I don’t really think this definition works either). The activity of worshipping and attending a religious service are also definitions of worship (Well…we are all here this morning to worship God as a community, but even that doesn’t seem like enough to me). How about a feeling of profound love and admiration? (Well I think that we have all had that feeling not only to God but to other things and people as well). So where can we find out what true worship really is? Well…I am glad you asked that question. In Revelation, we can catch a glimpse of what real worship is like.
Revelations 4 reads (I am reading from the New Living Translation this morning):
1 Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” 2 And instantly I was in the Spirit and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. 3 The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. 4 Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God. 6 In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal.
In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. 7 The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. 8 Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—
the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”
9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), 10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,
11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God,
to receive glory and honor and power.
For you created all things,
and they exist because you created what you pleased.”
This is real worship…this is the heart of worship. I found a perfect definition of worship on storiesofsalvation.org. It states that “Worshipping God as a Christian is not just about singing and fasting and praying. God is not interested in what you do as much as why you do it. He does not honor hypocrisy, only a devoted heart to Him. Worship is not something you just do on Sunday…it’s a life style.” It’s a life style…it’s not just for Sunday morning but it is the way that you live your life…ever praising our God in word and in deed.
I have seen this church not only worship on Sunday morning but also throughout the week. When we open the doors for those who might not have a place to meet otherwise we worship with our actions. When we have a weekly dinner for the community and sit and talk to people and give them words of comfort, we are worshipping with our words. When we step out in faith and are involved in the community we are worshipping with our service. When people see Christ shining in our lives and feels His presence when they are with us we are worshipping with our lives. Even as people washed the pots and pans from the dinner last night (and what a good dinner it was)…even this small act of helping out is an act of worship.
Worship is not just for Sunday anymore…we worship with our actions, with our words, with our service, with our lives. Unfortunately…some Christians have forgotten that…they have forgotten what is the heart of their worship. They have forgotten that God doesn’t look at what is at the heart of what we do. We can all look good when we worship…we can all raise our hands in holy praise of our Lord but it’s what’s on the inside that counts.
We as Christians need to get back to the heart of worship…then and only then we will worship our God in Spirit and in truth… (Show video of “The Heart of Worship” by Tim Hughes)
Amen.
NLT Version
Prayer: God of ages past and present, we come today to hear the word You have for us today. We ask that you would pour out your Spirit on us gathered here today. Enlighten us and enable us to see how you would have us worship You. Searcher of our hearts, renew us each day so that we may stand the test of trials in our lives. Strength of our lives, help us to stand strong so that you may be glorified through us in all that we do. Speak Lord, Your servants are listening. Amen.
Have any of you ever watched the church services on the Television? I know I have. I look on in awe seeing all those lifted hands in praise, all those people who are into the moment of worship. These people look as if they are in the presence of God. I have wanted to be where they are so much. To be in the presence of the Creator of all…what a feeling that is...knowing that God has come down in Spirit and entered into your worship of Him. But…I have a question for you this morning…what is your definition of worship? What makes you feel as if you are worshipping the Eternal Source of knowledge…the Awesome One…Creator of heaven and earth? (Give time for congregation to answer) Well when I think of worshipping God I think of worshipping Him with all my heart, mind body and soul.
I looked up the definition of worship in the dictionary (yes even we all knowing, all seeing pastors need a little help at times) and there were many definitions there. One is to idolize; to love unquestionably (Well…there are things and people in my life I idolize but I don’t really think that this definition suits me too well). Another is to show devotion to (Well there are many things I am devoted too…reading devotions and praying to begin my day…I’m devoted to my husband and children…I am devoted to you as a church…but I don’t really think this definition works either). The activity of worshipping and attending a religious service are also definitions of worship (Well…we are all here this morning to worship God as a community, but even that doesn’t seem like enough to me). How about a feeling of profound love and admiration? (Well I think that we have all had that feeling not only to God but to other things and people as well). So where can we find out what true worship really is? Well…I am glad you asked that question. In Revelation, we can catch a glimpse of what real worship is like.
Revelations 4 reads (I am reading from the New Living Translation this morning):
1 Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” 2 And instantly I was in the Spirit and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. 3 The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. 4 Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God. 6 In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal.
In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. 7 The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. 8 Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—
the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”
9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), 10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,
11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God,
to receive glory and honor and power.
For you created all things,
and they exist because you created what you pleased.”
This is real worship…this is the heart of worship. I found a perfect definition of worship on storiesofsalvation.org. It states that “Worshipping God as a Christian is not just about singing and fasting and praying. God is not interested in what you do as much as why you do it. He does not honor hypocrisy, only a devoted heart to Him. Worship is not something you just do on Sunday…it’s a life style.” It’s a life style…it’s not just for Sunday morning but it is the way that you live your life…ever praising our God in word and in deed.
I have seen this church not only worship on Sunday morning but also throughout the week. When we open the doors for those who might not have a place to meet otherwise we worship with our actions. When we have a weekly dinner for the community and sit and talk to people and give them words of comfort, we are worshipping with our words. When we step out in faith and are involved in the community we are worshipping with our service. When people see Christ shining in our lives and feels His presence when they are with us we are worshipping with our lives. Even as people washed the pots and pans from the dinner last night (and what a good dinner it was)…even this small act of helping out is an act of worship.
Worship is not just for Sunday anymore…we worship with our actions, with our words, with our service, with our lives. Unfortunately…some Christians have forgotten that…they have forgotten what is the heart of their worship. They have forgotten that God doesn’t look at what is at the heart of what we do. We can all look good when we worship…we can all raise our hands in holy praise of our Lord but it’s what’s on the inside that counts.
We as Christians need to get back to the heart of worship…then and only then we will worship our God in Spirit and in truth… (Show video of “The Heart of Worship” by Tim Hughes)
Amen.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
A Moment of Witness
I have been thinking, praying too
often these last two days
the throw-away expletive
His counsel, this officer of the court
His taking of the savior’s name
an exasperation, a common swear,
blurted into the air, setting quite an example
A moment of witness, lost there, by me
a clumsy fumbled response, catching him; but weak
Oh to be stronger, to state my faith
to claim the offense of that casual,
that all too real sin, another nail,
another striking, the nails of the cross;
to claim my savior in those moments
these moments of witness, to call out
a light in the darkness, the coarseness
the crassness of our times.
To be the voice of John, and uncomfortable witness,
standing in the cold waters
out in the wilderness, urging repentance, a change of heart
to be certain enough, sure enough
standing up, at the reckoning
speaking out – blasphemer!
That is my king! Your savior too,
if you will but claim him, as your own.
Let me never miss, let me be counted
Give voice to the right, to the spirit
even in the casual, throw-away moments of faith
Teach me Lord to fight, to speak your glory
to add salve to your wounds
Not meekly allowing another blow on the nail heads.
To catch his hand as he swings the hammer;
Saying, No, that is not okay, whatever your view.
March 6, 2009
written at Agape Café,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
often these last two days
the throw-away expletive
His counsel, this officer of the court
His taking of the savior’s name
an exasperation, a common swear,
blurted into the air, setting quite an example
A moment of witness, lost there, by me
a clumsy fumbled response, catching him; but weak
Oh to be stronger, to state my faith
to claim the offense of that casual,
that all too real sin, another nail,
another striking, the nails of the cross;
to claim my savior in those moments
these moments of witness, to call out
a light in the darkness, the coarseness
the crassness of our times.
To be the voice of John, and uncomfortable witness,
standing in the cold waters
out in the wilderness, urging repentance, a change of heart
to be certain enough, sure enough
standing up, at the reckoning
speaking out – blasphemer!
That is my king! Your savior too,
if you will but claim him, as your own.
Let me never miss, let me be counted
Give voice to the right, to the spirit
even in the casual, throw-away moments of faith
Teach me Lord to fight, to speak your glory
to add salve to your wounds
Not meekly allowing another blow on the nail heads.
To catch his hand as he swings the hammer;
Saying, No, that is not okay, whatever your view.
March 6, 2009
written at Agape Café,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
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