Saturday, September 26, 2009

Walking with God Time

Stopping our daily work
setting apart time for the Lord
for each of us to commune with God
in scripture, in quiet thought
in time given for God to speak
sharing our lives with our creator
in all of our days
and in our sabbath rest


September 26, 2009
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9
Psalm 46:1-3 (Call to Worship)
& sermon, “Whose Rule Is It?”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog

“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/27/09
and
Exodus 20:8-11 (Ten Commandments: Sabbath)


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 28,680+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live. 

A Piece of Each Day

The sabbath, not confined, boxed in
a piece of each day instead
when we are open, connected with God
time set apart
In the quiet, in the stillness of my heart
sabbath rest, peace found
walking, spending time with God
Not just on Sunday,
the last, the first day of the week
Finding sabbath,
in the feeling in my heart


September 26, 2009
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9
Psalm 46:1-3 (Call to Worship)
& sermon, “Whose Rule Is It?”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/27/09
and
Exodus 20:8-11 (Ten Commandments: Sabbath)

Sabbath Is

For each of us a different meaning
Sabbath Is what we need it to be
setting our daily tasks aside
turning our time over
finding space for the creator
to still ourselves
communing with our father, our mother
the source of all
Different for each person
their own way
to set time apart
not on the calendar, but in our hearts
different, special, sensing the presence of God
A walk in the woods,
sitting with time in the word
seeking his voice in the still of the day
Sharing your message of love.


September 26, 2009
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9
Psalm 46:1-3 (Call to Worship)
& sermon, “Whose Rule Is It?”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/27/09

Praising God for the Day

In those moments
connected with God
the slate clear, no agenda
reading the holy scripture
meditations, devotions on your words
your message, bleeding into me
slowing myself, setting time apart
sabbath, rest, peace
spending time with God
in your loving word.


September 26, 2009
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9
Psalm 46:1-3 (Call to Worship)
& sermon, “Whose Rule Is It?”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/27/09
and
Exodus 20:8-11 (Ten Commandments: Sabbath)

Personal Sabbath

Not corporate worship, not time meted out
personal sabbath rest, this is what we must find
owning the sabbath
meaningful to each person
not by some rule
unbound from the calendar
living in our hearts instead
coming to that quiet place
time spent in worship,
in fellowship with the Lord


September 26, 2009
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9
Psalm 46:1-3 (Call to Worship)
& sermon, “Whose Rule Is It?”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/27/09
and
Exodus 20:8-11 (Ten Commandments: Sabbath)

Your Sabbath

Your way of connecting with God
something personal, separate
unique to each one, for each soul
Time to be sitting at the Master’s feet
resting from the demands of the world
setting God as the priority
central to all of our days
Each one different, spending time with God
Finding your own sabbath
Each their own way.


September 26, 2009
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9
Psalm 46:1-3 (Call to Worship)
& sermon, “Whose Rule Is It?”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/27/09
and
Exodus 20:8-11 (Ten Commandments: Sabbath)

Love Unbound

God’s love unbound
living in human hearts;
not chained by rule or law,
by the indwelling spirit
revealed, made known.
The spirit, not the language
that alone important, having worth
God’s love, his plan
Living, changing, moving
with us from at our birth


September 26, 2009
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9
Psalm 46:1-3 (Call to Worship)
& sermon, “Whose Rule Is It?”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/27/09
and
Exodus 20:8-11 (Ten Commandments: Sabbath)

Prayer Answered

Honest, humble, reverent prayer
joyfully raised, with assurance
our creator, our savior
sustainer, and father
we call to you, as your children
confidence, assured you will answer
at peace with our Lord
friends, not mere servants
humbly approaching your throne


September 26, 2009
mediation on James 5:13-20
by Eric Feustel
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/23/09
and
September 23, 2009
James 5:13-14
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
and
September 24, 2009
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
James 5:13-20
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009

Friends with God

Righteousness
more than servants alone
striving to be worthy
the name of children
Friends with God

Approaching his throne
humbly, but with confidence
assured he will listen
he will hear our petitions
that our prayers will be answered

Finding comfort, relationship
with our community, our creator
coming into his presence
with love and praise


September 26, 2009
mediation on James 5:13-20
by Eric Feustel
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/23/09
and
September 23, 2009
James 5:13-14
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
and
September 24, 2009
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
James 5:13-20
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009

Not Inadequate

Not inadequate, each of us worthy
Messengers empowered to share God’s love
Each of us a beacon, shining in the darkness
Coming from the father, into the world
Our brother before us, an example to follow
His love in his sacrifice, giving his all
We too, like our savior, servants not to be served
Offering his light, his love, in his holy name
Journeying, traveling, walking in the darkness
Shining his light to give the world hope


September 26, 2009
Alive Now daily reflection
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-september-21-27/
for September 24,2009
“Manifesting the Glory of God”,
by Marianne Williamson

Powerful

Seeing ourselves, with our feet of clay
sometimes forgetting, the rest
powerfully made, in the image of God
with a responsibility, with work to be done
here on this earth
Sharing God’s love,
Christ’s example to follow
powerful, shining brightly
so must we be
Going into the darkness
his light to bear witness
bringing our neighbors, our brothers,
our sisters, the message of love
Walking boldly, our light shining
powerful messages to share


September 24, 2009 and September 26, 2009
Alive Now daily reflection
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-september-21-27/
for September 24,2009
“Manifesting the Glory of God”,
by Marianne Williamson

No Longer Hidden

Our light, no longer hidden
shining brightly, with the love of God
boldly going, out onto the waters
into the darkness
a beacon for all
Piercing the darkness
the despair and the hurting
brightly shining for all to see
Going ever, deeper into the darkness
going where the master will lead
Coming with light
into the darkness
no longer hidden
a beacon of his love
shining in the world


September 26, 2009
Alive Now daily reflection
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-september-21-27/
for September 24,2009
“Manifesting the Glory of God”,
by Marianne Williamson

Our Light Shining

Not timid, not afraid
confident, with the spirit within us
our light shining, his light within us
shining brightly for the whole world
Our lives an example, his love abiding
shining through us, to light the world
stepping out, onto the waters
into the desert, the wilderness places
Going into the world
to cast light into the darkness
to tell of his saving
his love for all


September 24, 2009 and September 26, 2009
Our Light Shining
Alive Now daily reflection
for September 24,2009
“Manifesting the Glory of God”,
by Marianne Williamson

All of my poems and photographs 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 40,350+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Hidden Glory

God’s Glory
alive, shining brightly
within each of us
not hidden
not within, under baskets
We must be confident,
children empowered
to share the message
as they have done before us
the apostles, the saints
on whose shoulders we stand
going into the world
our light shining
in each word, in each act
in each bit of love we share


September 24, 2009 and September 26, 2009
Alive Now daily reflection
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-september-21-27/
for September 24,2009
“Manifesting the Glory of God”,
by Marianne Williamson

Not Feet of Clay

Not Feet of clay
not our humanity, our sin
But the image of God
The light of Christ
His light in the world
each of us brilliant
shining within
Let that light of Christ out
our path his
no longer hidden
Sharing God’s love
by our every action,
our every world
each moment, each day
all the days of our lives
His messengers, in his own image
Here in the wilderness
in this troubled world


September 24, 2009 and September 26, 2009
Alive Now daily reflection
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-september-21-27/
for September 24,2009
“Manifesting the Glory of God”,
by Marianne Williamson

Love and Sacrifice Entwined

The image of the vine
threads knitted together
our savior, his example
love and sacrifice entwined
bound, as a cord
living in the vine
Lifting us up, from the depths
carrying us up, to the heights
Sacrificial love, following his example
releasing us from the daily world
binding us with God


September 24, 2009
Esther
and Romans 12:1
and Alive Now daily reflection
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-september-21-27/
for September 22, 2009 and September 23, 2009
“Love and Sacrifice”,
by Veronica Kelly Badowski

Singing Praises

Even without any talent,
off-key, a joyful noise
singing praises to my God
Joy welling up in my heart
pouring out, in song, in poetry
in praise to my king
Ever will I come to thee in prayer
always should I come to you in singing
for you listen and answer my prayers
and bless me beyond my comprehension
beyond my imagination
my cracked cup overflowing
with your love


September 25, 2009 and September 26, 2009
James 5:13-20
and Alive Now daily reflection
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-september-21-27/
for September 25, 2009

Living Gifts

They are
the people in our path
coming into our lives,
or we into theirs,
some for a short time, some for our lives
They are living gifts from God
of the spirit, of wisdom
changing our path
drawing us deeper
changing us from within
Hopefully, if we are willing
into living relationship with you, our God


September 24, 2009 and September 26, 2009
Proverbs 27:17
book, “Walking with Christ Everyday:
365 daily devotions for men”,
Day 267, “Friends and Family”

Freely Given

Freely giving, as we have received
so should we behave
Gifts of God, each of them given
our hands, our hearts open
a bounty to share
abundantly giving
out of our joy


September 25, 2009
Matthew 10:8 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
book, “Walking with Christ Everyday:
365 daily devotions for men”,
Day 268, “The Seeds of Generosity”

Like the First Christians

We are to be like the first Christians
going when the savior calls
offering hospitality, sharing His message
changing their world, ours in the process
Being a Christian, all of our moments
all of our days
talking, witnessing, sharing
through our words, our actions
like the first Christians
welcoming all into the faith
all those searching, hurting
needing the loving presence
the relationship with God
promised in the life of Christ
by his sacrifice and his ascension


September 26, 2009
Romans 12:9-13
Psalm 92:1-4
Exodus 18:13-24
& sermon, “Don’t Do This Alone”
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/20/09

Friday, September 25, 2009

The Cup of Sacrifice - chosen as a Faithwriters General Submissions Jewel Chest for Sept 19-25, 2009

http://www.faithwriters.com/Boards/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=27011



The Cup of Sacrifice

The bitter cup,
more bitter than hemlock,
the cup of sacrifice
lifted to his lips,
an act of obedience
of his free will,
given over to the master

Drinking from the cup,
submitting to the suffering,
to the torture, to the death
humiliating, on the cross

Offering himself, his all
so that we might be saved
that we might find salvation
that we may join him in heaven
and see the master face to face

November 16, 2008
based on comments to earlier poem,
“A Loving Servant”, posted to
FaithWriters and rereading the poem itself

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Received via email 09/23/09 - author unknown - WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN

I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, ' This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received. '

I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.

Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.

The angel then said to me, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them." I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.

Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. "This is the Acknowledgment Section, my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed. "How is it that there is no work going on here?” I asked.

"So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments"

"How does one acknowledge God's blessings?” I asked.

"Simple," the angel answered. Just say, "Thank you, Lord.”

"What blessings should they acknowledge?" I asked.

"If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy. "

"And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity."

"If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, You are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day.”

"If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... You are ahead of 700 million people in the world."

"If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world."

"If your parents are still alive and still married, you are very rare."

"If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm; you're unique to all those in doubt and despair......."

Ok, what now? How can I start?

If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.

Have a good day, count your blessings, and if you care to, pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are

ATTN: Acknowledge Dept.
"Thank you Lord, for giving me the ability to share this message and for giving me so many wonderful people with whom to share it.”

If you have read this far, and are thankful for all that you have been blessed with, how can you not send it on???? I thank God for everything, especially all my family and friends!!

Friendly Emptiness

Space to call their own
within the sacred place
within the open doors,
within the state of grace
Our hearts waiting,
knowing only in part
the pain, the struggle the story
within their beating heart
A process, a journey
we each make on this earth
leading to heaven and glory
if we heed the savior’s call
But a choice we are given
no one must follow a single command
We offer our witness, our hand
and leave the rest to each one
to choose whom to follow
the world or the lamb


September 20, 2009 and September 23, 2009
Romans 12:9-13
Psalm 92:1-4
Exodus 18:13-24
& sermon, “Don’t Do This Alone”
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
including words of Henri Nouwen
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/20/09

Leaving the Growth to God

In offering hospitality
an open hand, a sign of welcome
remembering too the needed empty spaces
welcoming in the strangers
into the family
Planting the seeds
our understandings, our witness
of God’s love and provision
watering with the word
God’s grace abounding
active in our lives
But mindful ever
of our role in the situation
serving our master; but
leaving the growth to God


September 23, 2009
Romans 12:9-13
Psalm 92:1-4
Exodus 18:13-24
& sermon, “Don’t Do This Alone”
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
including words of Henri Nouwen
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/20/09

Their Own Dances

We each, our own dances
our own way through the world
coming to God
so it is with others
coming into our worship
our sanctuary, into our midst
our lives, intersecting with theirs
Leaving them the spaces
the places for their rest and worship
giving our brothers, our sisters
a place to call their own
welcoming them to the family
the rhythms of the story
God’s love for each
open to all


September 20, 2009 and September 23, 2009
Romans 12:9-13
Psalm 92:1-4
Exodus 18:13-24
& sermon, “Don’t Do This Alone”
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
including words of Henri Nouwen
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/20/09

How to Live

The apostle speaking to them,
to all believers, those who claim the name
Christians, throughout time, place
within our hearts, in our lives
words to live by, to use to relate
to walk as the master did, mindful
aware of our station, our sin
conscious of the gift, the grace
the means of our saving
by the sacrifice, the choice of Christ
the love of God
urgent words, repeated
Welcoming all, our brothers, our sisters
all of us part of the family


September 20, 2009 and September 23, 2009
Romans 12:9-13
Psalm 92:1-4
Exodus 18:13-24
& sermon, “Don’t Do This Alone”
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
including words of Henri Nouwen
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/20/09

Just a Hint of Fall

How she described today
the words, just right,
warm enough so no coat, no sweater
the day just past the start of fall
cool enough for the autumnal colors
just a hint of fall, a snap to the air
the brighter blue, azure sky
after a bit of fog to wake the day
shaking off the sheet
into the brighter blue
The reds and yellows on the trees
the warm smells remaining
before the first frost
blooms still in the garden
still, just a hint of fall
her favorite time of year

September 23, 2009

Offering Hospitality

An open hand, our doors open
offering hospitality
in the name of the Lord
A friendly place,
to hear the good news
that Christ died for us
that he is risen, and will come again
God’s loving, living water
waiting for those seeking
offered by servants,
brothers and sisters,
each of us broken, each of us
part of the family


September 23, 2009
September 20, 2009, September 22, 2009
Romans 12:9-13
Psalm 92:1-4
Exodus 18:13-24
& sermon, “Don’t Do This Alone”
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org/
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/20/09

Little Children

Is it their modern sense of innocence
little children, or their rank
disposable, at the bottom
in either case, whatever the metaphor
little children, in the lap of our savior
called by the master, welcomed in
coming to him, running
few assumptions, open to new ideas
unencumbered by life
unfettered by position
To be as them, listening
stopping, sitting at the Master’s feet
truly receptive
to his message of love


September 20, 2009 and September 22, 2009
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
Mark 9:36-37
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
for September 20, 2009
and
Alive Now daily devotional
Mark 9:30-37
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-september-14-20/
for September 20, 2009

Dirty Water

Dirty water, throughout the world
the poor, the least, drinking dirty water
the wealthy, the run-off, waters of self-reliance
None being refreshed, all still thirsty
seeking still, clean waters
Through love, caring for our neighbors
clean waters of God’s love
eternal spring, living waters
the opposite of this world
clean waters ever flowing
wash over us


September 20, 2009 and September 22, 2009
Children’s Time by Muffie Sheehan
http://www.churchworldservice.org/site/PageServer?pagename=crop_main
CROP Walk and Church World Service
http://www.churchworldservice.org/
and
Romans 5:1-12
Romans 5:1-5
Jeremiah 2:1-13
Jeremiah 2:13
Call to Worship
Unison Prayer
& sermon, “Human Limitations and Unlimited Grace”
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/13/09

Clean Water

The water we carry
the water we are providing
in the real world
But metaphor too
The fountain, the spring
living water, the creator
Being the children
in the water we offer
clean water
good news for the world
living waters
the love of God


September 20, 2009 and September 22, 2009
Children’s Time by Muffie Sheehan
http://www.churchworldservice.org/site/PageServer?pagename=crop_main
CROP Walk and Church World Service
http://www.churchworldservice.org/
and
Romans 5:1-12
Romans 5:1-5
Jeremiah 2:1-13
Jeremiah 2:13
Call to Worship
Unison Prayer
& sermon, “Human Limitations and Unlimited Grace”
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/13/09

Spiritually Traveling

For those searching
seeking the creator
a relationship, a place for them
spiritually traveling
Our church, this community
to be a safe, open space
welcoming them in


September 20, 2009
Romans 12:9-13
Psalm 92:1-4
Exodus 18:13-24
& sermon, “Don’t Do This Alone”
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/20/09

Hungry for Hospitality

So many, those beyond our doors
in our community, out in the world, the wilderness
seeking the spiritual, meaning, acceptance
hungry for hospitality
for a listening ear, a safe place
Hungry for hospitality
a calling to us all
offering to them
an honest welcome
a sense of belonging
to all who grace our door


September 20, 2009 and September 22, 2009
Romans 12:9-13
Psalm 92:1-4
Exodus 18:13-24
& sermon, “Don’t Do This Alone”
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/20/09

Welcoming Them In

Open doors, hearts for the travelers
welcoming them in, part of the community
to share the message, the good news
love, living waters
God’s grace, poured out for us
to share to spread
a seed planted
one heart at a time


September 20, 2009 and September 22, 2009
Romans 12:9-13
Psalm 92:1-4
Exodus 18:13-24
& sermon, “Don’t Do This Alone”
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/20/09

With a Heart Ready

We, as he was, prayerful
hopeful, waiting with a heart ready
eager for the calling of the Lord
to answer, without guile,
without our own agenda
open to the will of the Father
pliable to the Potter’s loving hands


September 21, 2009
1 Samuel 3:9
“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening”
and Day 38, “When God Calls”, in
“Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
by Henry Gariepy
http://books.google.com/books?id=9tjVtRt3TUMC&pg=PP1&dq=henry+gariepy&ei=6tqBSqLVDJiQyQT4i9DOCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false
and
1 Corinthians 16:13
book, “Walking with Christ Everyday:
365 daily devotions for men”,
Day 264, “Standing Up for Your Faith”

In the Still of Our Hearts

In the silent beating
God speaks
in the still of our hearts
A voice calling
our lives set apart
in the still of our hearts
When we are receptive, waiting
eager for his urgings, guiding us
in the still of our hearts
A servant listening
to the calling from above
heard ever, in the still of our hearts


September 21, 2009
1 Samuel 3:9
“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening”
and Day 38, “When God Calls”, in
“Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
by Henry Gariepy
http://books.google.com/books?id=9tjVtRt3TUMC&pg=PP1&dq=henry+gariepy&ei=6tqBSqLVDJiQyQT4i9DOCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false
and
1 Corinthians 16:13
book, “Walking with Christ Everyday:
365 daily devotions for men”,
Day 264, “Standing Up for Your Faith”

Obedient Faithful Servant

Stay firm, alert
ready when we are called
to bear witness
obedient, faithful servant
doing the master’s will
carrying on the work
the sowing, the watering
pruning and weeding
each in their season
counting on God for the growth
faithfulness enough
all of our days


September 21, 2009
1 Samuel 3:9
“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening”
and Day 38, “When God Calls”, in
“Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
by Henry Gariepy
http://books.google.com/books?id=9tjVtRt3TUMC&pg=PP1&dq=henry+gariepy&ei=6tqBSqLVDJiQyQT4i9DOCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false
and
1 Corinthians 16:13
book, “Walking with Christ Everyday:
365 daily devotions for men”,
Day 264, “Standing Up for Your Faith”

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 25,740+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Obedient Listening

As a servant listening
attentive to the master’s voice
for God to speak
to call to us in the night
For this we are called
by these we are known
the children of his flock
servants in the vineyards, the fields
messengers, witnesses sent
to spread his message
to the whole world.


September 21, 2009
1 Samuel 3:9
“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening”
and Day 38, “When God Calls”, in
“Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
by Henry Gariepy
http://books.google.com/books?id=9tjVtRt3TUMC&pg=PP1&dq=henry+gariepy&ei=6tqBSqLVDJiQyQT4i9DOCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false
and
1 Corinthians 16:13
book, “Walking with Christ Everyday:
365 daily devotions for men”,
Day 264, “Standing Up for Your Faith”

Sounding in the still of the night

Speaking to us, your servants
calling to us, sounding in the still of the night
The voice of God present, just like in ages long ago
A message of our purpose, our compass
indwelling in our hearts
urging us, calling us
to his side, in his service
sounding in the still of the night


September 21, 2009 and September 23, 2009
1 Samuel 3:9
“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening”
and Day 38, “When God Calls”, in
“Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
by Henry Gariepy
http://books.google.com/books?id=9tjVtRt3TUMC&pg=PP1&dq=henry+gariepy&ei=6tqBSqLVDJiQyQT4i9DOCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false
and
1 Corinthians 16:13
book, “Walking with Christ Everyday:
365 daily devotions for men”,
Day 264, “Standing Up for Your Faith”

The Silence Broken

The still of the night
the silence broken
by the calling of the Lord
a willing heart, open to the word
receptive, listening
as a servant of God
Becoming a child,
a member of the family
by God’s grace revealed


September 21, 2009
1 Samuel 3:9
“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening”
and Day 38, “When God Calls”, in
“Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
by Henry Gariepy
http://books.google.com/books?id=9tjVtRt3TUMC&pg=PP1&dq=henry+gariepy&ei=6tqBSqLVDJiQyQT4i9DOCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false
and
1 Corinthians 16:13
book, “Walking with Christ Everyday:
365 daily devotions for men”,
Day 264, “Standing Up for Your Faith”

Offer Joyful Service

Like children, unburdened
offer joyful service
in praise of the Lord
responding to, never earning
the gift of grace
No longer servants, instead children
brining our works as gifts
motivated by God’s love, agape
joyfully serving
offering ourselves
gifts freely given
gifts beyond measure
already received


September 21, 2009
Ephesians 2:1-10
and Upper Room Daily Devotional
for 9/21/09
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=9&day=21&year=2009
“Eager Efforts”, by Marvin Lindsay

Sunday, September 20, 2009

A Gift

In either translation,
“A gift”, “whatever gift”, not the gifts, the talents
a singular gift we each are given
by the creator, for His glory
Our “starfish”, the thing we are to share
the way we are to serve
A member of the body of Christ
a disciple, a part of the church
Each of us gifted, for His glory
Sharing our voices, our hands,
our special gift with the world
in our creator’s, our savior’s name


edited October 27, 2015
A Gift – v2
September 20, 2009
A Gift
1 Peter 4:10-11
in New Revised Standard Version
and New Century Version
and Upper Room daily devotional for 9/20/09
“Gifts and Talents”, by Norma L. Santos
&
message by Raymond A. Foss,
“What is Your Footprint, Where is Your Treasure,
What is in Your Silo; Whom Will You Follow”
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
10/11/09
&
John Wesley’s sermon, “On Riches”
&
Faith In Action newsletter,
Word from Winkler, 9/28/09
Congregational malpractice
By Jim Winkler, General Secretary, General Board of Church & Society
& Alive Now daily devotional
for September 30, 2009
“An Uncomfortable Nudge”,
by Roland Rink
&
Mark 10:17-31
Alive Now Daily Reflection
for October 10, 2009
&
Alive Now Daily Reflection
“All of You”,
by James Schwarzlose
for October 11, 2009
&
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
Mark 10:17-27
for October 10, 2009
by Soozung Sa Rankin
&
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
Mark 10:28-31
for October 11, 2009
by Soozung Sa Rankin
&
Psalm 92:1-4
Isaiah 43:18-21
Luke 12:54-56
and sermon, “The View from Seven Decades:
The Power and Danger of Paradigms”,
by the Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
July 19, 2009
and
Psalm 100
Luke 4:16-21
Isaiah 43:1-3a
Isaiah 43:18-21
and sermon, “The Power of Vision”,
by the Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
including, The Star Thrower Story by Joel Barker,
inspired by the writing of Loren Eiseley,
Suncook United Methodist Church
July 26, 2009

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 39,780+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Her Choice

In many ways, her choice,
to change and to following
the same fundamental choice
we each must make
to put on the mantle of your people
to turn from the world
our own country
to join with the saints before us
and go where you lead
You are our God
our choice, like hers,
forever changing our path
into the land of the people
foreigners no more
into the family of God


September 20, 2009
Ruth 1:16
and “Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
by Henry Gariepy
http://books.google.com/books?id=9tjVtRt3TUMC&pg=PP1&dq=henry+gariepy&ei=6tqBSqLVDJiQyQT4i9DOCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false
“Ruth’s Great Choice”,
Day 37