Saturday, March 13, 2010

Definitely a Beginning

Whether science or theology
definitely a beginning
a moment of darkness
pierced by amazing light
a moment of creation
everything starting
from a center,
order from chaos
explaining how the universe began
how life came to exist


March 13, 2010
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/2010/math-and-truth/
“Speaking of Faith: Mathematics, Purpose, and Truth”,
a discussion with Janna Levin
http://www.barnard.edu/faculty/profiles/levin_j.html
March 11, 2010 program, heard 3/13/2010
Speaking of Faith
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Gone Astray

Gone astray, missing
wandering or willful
stubborn or careless
losing our focus on God

We are the lost, the sheep,
the treasure
the sons of the father
each estranged from God



March 13, 2010
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Luke 15:1-32
and
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-March-8-14/
for March 8, 2010 to March 14, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for March 12, 2010, read March 13.



All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Found

Into the fold
found after looking
returning to the arms
of our worried parent
Joy in the finding
and being found
our master, our father
in him we find our rest


March 13, 2010
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Luke 15:1-32
and
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-March-8-14/
for March 8, 2010 to March 14, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for March 12, 2010, read March 13.


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Lost (2)

Away from the flock
missing while still at home
in a far away land
lost, away from our master
our father anxious
searching for us
hoping, praying
that we would be found.


March 13, 2010
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Luke 15:1-32
and
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-March-8-14/
for March 8, 2010 to March 14, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for March 12, 2010, read March 13.


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Reconciled

The scales balances,
the accounts made equal
through Christ we are made worthy
entering into the courts, the presence
Reconciled to almighty God

The difference, estrangement
our sin burned away
like silver, through the refiner’s fire
made to reflect, to shine
the image of the living God

Able to be emissaries, ambassadors
Our bodies like gloves
being the hands and the feet of Christ
going out into the world
to sow the seeds of his love.


March 13, 2010
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
and
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-March-8-14/
for March 8, 2010 to March 14, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for March 11, 2010, read March 13.


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Days Flying By

In the rush of the world
the busy, taking time
days flying by, panic
caught in the whirlwind

Needing to stop
when grace crosses our path
little gifts, moments
precious, from God

The important may not be grandiose
not the big things at all
the little moments
offering our all

Giving time, attention
not to the big but the small
trusting God to provide for us
if we but answer his call


March 13, 2010
Men’s Group discussion
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Whole salad of life

Not just one thing
all of it connected
all important
the whole salad of life

Our faith, our work
family and friends
all of who we are
mattering in the end

Sharing, enjoying
in good times and bad
fellowship and witness
the presence of God

Walking with our savior
all the days of our lives
faithful to his teachings
loving God and man

Treading more lightly
yet going where we are led
doing the work of the Lord
honoring his heavenly call


March 13, 2010
Men’s Group discussion
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

A Chance Meeting

Not knowing him well enough
unable to call him irascible,
a fire in his belly,
certainly gregarious
in the smile on his face
the hearty, warm handshake
the glimmer of joy in his eyes
alive as in his youth
passionate, in his element

Words he had written
on the living page
so long ago, so close,
so easy to call up the memory
the moment in time
they came to him
hearing the story told
the place, the scene

Listening intently, reverently
drawing me in
his lines enticing
speaking to something within
Cards exchanged,
to become known more fully
sharing in the gate
more to the story yet
in the chance meeting last night


March 13, 2010
House of Purpose Coffeehouse,
on meeting J.L. (Jim) Hofford,
fellow NH poet



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

The Betrayer Prowling the Night

In the darkness, the garden
the betrayer prowling the night
time running down
praying, sleep heavy
staking the garden
the tester challenging

Alone, our master,
a little farther on
pouring out his heart
his inner anguish
sweat like blood
falling heavy
crying out to God

Our salvation assured
in his strength, resolve,
his choosing of servanthood
humbly, to the will of God
Prayers in the darkness
while the betrayer prowled the night.


March 12, 2010, edited March 13, 2010
(Written at House of Purpose Coffeehouse)

Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Nature

The beauty of the ordered world
the turn of the growing leaf
the whisper in the wind
bright sunshine on my face

Touching the wet earth
the peat, or salt water
the rush of senses
in the sight, the sound
the smell, yes the taste
vivid and alluring

So much when I ponder
try to conjure
the meaning of nature
and essence to explain

Fleeting like the gossamer dew
ancient like the mountains
growing like the shoots rising
up from winter’s rest

All a flood of thoughts,
of images, emotions
living on the earth, in nature
each of us part of God’s creation


March 12, 2010

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,700+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Sky Foreboding

The sky in the garden
that night after Passover
how it must have seemed foreboding
tension in the air, thick
like the cold morning
winter not yet gone
spring yet to come
a glowering presence
in the cold March air

Did they all feel the heavy cloak
the weight of the moment
eerily quiet in the garden
the seconds ticking away
as the betrayer prowled the night
gathering his forces
to come for the master
what would keep them at bay

Jesus’ cries to the father
piercing the silence
his body wracked
by the drama within
Knowing the future
the coming of the new day
how hard, while human
to stay on this path

In the darkness foreboding
the presence of evil palpable
tempting Christ
to turn from the plan
to cling to this life
to deny the will of God

Yet hope even in darkness
the light of our savior
burning brightly
in the choice that he made
Faithful to the father
taking the cup, thy will be done


March 12, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Gracing Our Window

The door of the church,
facing the morning sunshine
a single ladybug
gracing our window

Walking, her body warming
the edge of the orange
glimmering in the sun
like the corona
of a solar eclipse

Slowing moving
walking circuitously
following an unwritten path
across the expanse of glass


March 11, 2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Hope for us all

Picturing Christ
at the table
sitting with them
in the upper room

Sharing with them all
each one of them human
those who would betray,
deny him, and run away

Another image, only a day later
Christ on the cross
forgiving them all,
all who knew not what they did

Hope for us all
if forgiveness for them,
from the mouth of Christ
a gift for our souls

A future in glory
if we but believe
turning our lives over
to the will of our God



March 9, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent
&
Mark 14:12, 22-25
Isaiah 11:1-5
Isaiah 52:7 (Call to Worship)
Deuteronomy 16:1-8
Exodus 12:1-28
Deuteronomy 11:16-21
and sermon, “A Last Meal”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
the first in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 28, 2010



All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,700+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Always Listening

No matter our circumstances
how we come to God,
he is always listening
open to our prayers

Especially when, we offer, like Jesus
submitting our will to God’s alone
coming, yes, honesty praying
truthfully speaking from our hearts

God alone, can answer our pleas,
when we trust in him
He can offer us grace,
when we come to him in prayer.


March 9, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent
&
Mark 14:12, 22-25
Isaiah 11:1-5
Isaiah 52:7 (Call to Worship)
Deuteronomy 16:1-8
Exodus 12:1-28
Deuteronomy 11:16-21
and sermon, “A Last Meal”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
the first in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 28, 2010



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Crying in Heaven

I can only imagine
in that awful moment
Christ in the garden
praying to the Lord

What must it have been like,
in the courts of the almighty,
were all of the heavenly creatures
crying along with God


March 9, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent
&
Mark 14:12, 22-25
Isaiah 11:1-5
Isaiah 52:7 (Call to Worship)
Deuteronomy 16:1-8
Exodus 12:1-28
Deuteronomy 11:16-21
and sermon, “A Last Meal”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
the first in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 28, 2010



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Bringing them to the foot of the cross

In this journey
the Lenten vigil
following, walking with Christ
sharing the words
the loving scripture
finding our brother
along the walk

Joining Christ
and the disciples
those who walked,
those who ran away,
knowing we, like them,
very human, full of doubts
needing love, forgiveness
needing to confess

Bringing them,
our sins, our fears,
our confession,
our need for forgiveness
and our need to forgive
all before Christ
to the foot of the cross
humbly, before our savior
our loving God

Knowing he who was human
who suffered and died
on the cross for you and me
will hear and understand us

He knows our anguish, our joys
and the depth of our sorrows
only in him are we
reconciled to God


March 10, 2010
Psalm 32:3-11
Psalm 32:1-11
and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for March 8, 2010 to March 14, 2010,
“Your History: A Valuable Past”,
by Steve Barse
&
Matthew 18:21
Matthew 18:15-35
Matthew 18:21-35
&
“Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan”
by Robert Wolgemuth
- “Insights: And Forgive”
on Matthew 18:21-35
&
Psalm 32:1-2
“Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan”
by Robert Wolgemuth
– “Godly Character: The Joy of Forgiveness”
&
Day 169, “Unlimited Forgiveness”, 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
read 3/10/10



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

As Children Forgiven

Not as adults, fully aware
our true state far below him
merely human compared with
our sovereign God

Forgiven as children
in the eyes of our Lord
called back to him
our father, our God

Humbly coming
back to his arms open
calling to us
from within our hearts

Confessing our sins
as we are able
turning to him
to forgive us completely

Washed away,
our stain gone
returned to the family
a child of the living God


March 10, 2010
Psalm 32:3-11
Psalm 32:1-11
and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for March 8, 2010 to March 14, 2010,
“Your History: A Valuable Past”,
by Steve Barse
&
Matthew 18:21
Matthew 18:15-35
Matthew 18:21-35
&
“Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan”
by Robert Wolgemuth
- “Insights: And Forgive”
on Matthew 18:21-35
&
Psalm 32:1-2
“Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan”
by Robert Wolgemuth
– “Godly Character: The Joy of Forgiveness”
&
Day 169, “Unlimited Forgiveness”, 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
read 3/10/10



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Living by Their Faith

All of them, each one
all who have gone before us
in some sense, all of them
living by their faith

Unlike Thomas,
those who walked with him,
a future unseen, distant
needing to trust in God alone

The saints of our faith
the patriarchs, the sinners
all of them needing
to trust in God alone

In their example,
though they often stumbled
a promise of salvation
if we repent and believe

Christ alone our savior
his burden, his payment
sacrificing himself
on the altar of the cross

Giving himself
so that we may find life
that through him
we may return to our loving God


March 10, 2010
Hebrews 11:1-13
Hebrews 11:6
and season of Lent
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=3&day=10&year=2010
for March 10, 2010, “God Is Real”,
by Stacy Sanchez



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Going in Faith

Bringing an offering
first fruits of the harvest
a gift worthy
in the eyes of God

Building what God commanded
even though unseen dangers
floodwaters rising
in a future foretold

Going in faith
following God’s direction
trusting in him
leaving their homelands

Believing God’s promise
a legacy, an inheritance
a land for their people
to many to count

The assurance of Christ
in his loving, his sacrifice
his ministry still for us to complete
to the ends of the earth

Sending us forth
going in faith
until the work here is done
until he returns in victory


March 10, 2010
Hebrews 11:1-13
Hebrews 11:6
and season of Lent
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=3&day=10&year=2010
for March 10, 2010, “God Is Real”,
by Stacy Sanchez



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Seeing a distant future

with eyes of faith
the patriarchs and earlier
the giants of Genesis
seeing a distant future
promises of the living God
what will surely be
trusting in the words
that God spoke to them
humbly doing
the will of God

In our time, this season
this generation now living
we must journey on
living faithfully
believing too in that future
that coming of our savior
trusting in his promise
doing the work of God


March 10, 2010
Hebrews 11:1-13
Hebrews 11:6
and season of Lent
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=3&day=10&year=2010
for March 10, 2010, “God Is Real”,
by Stacy Sanchez




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Bolding Doing

living boldly
going, doing
what God would command
having faith to have sight
boldly doing
in their own time
reaping a harvest
in a future yet to come

So we must
in our time and place
take a page from their history
the steadfast love of God
trusting in our creator,
in our loving savior
bolding doing,
going where we are called


March 10, 2010
Hebrews 11:1-13
Hebrews 11:6
and season of Lent
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=3&day=10&year=2010
for March 10, 2010, “God Is Real”,
by Stacy Sanchez




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Freed of our guilt

The weight we carried
our sin within us
walking the way of the world
estranged from our God

Changing our path
conformed to our savior
walking more humbly
in the way of our Lord

Listening to the spirit
speaking from within us
freed of our guilt
when we truly confess our sin
and turn our lives over to him


March 10, 2010
Psalm 32:3-11
Psalm 32:1-11
and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for March 8, 2010 to March 14, 2010,
“Your History: A Valuable Past”,
by Steve Barse
&
Matthew 18:21
Matthew 18:15-35
Matthew 18:21-35
&
“Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan”
by Robert Wolgemuth
- “Insights: And Forgive”
on Matthew 18:21-35
&
Psalm 32:1-2
“Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan”
by Robert Wolgemuth
– “Godly Character: The Joy of Forgiveness”
&
Day 169, “Unlimited Forgiveness”, 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
read 3/10/10




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Listening to our guilt

The words speaking
the message deep within us
listening to our guilt
God speaking to us

Changing our path
turning to our savior
confessing our sin
that we may be set free

Forgiven by God
to the same measure
that we forgive others
including ourselves


March 10, 2010
Psalm 32:3-11
Psalm 32:1-11
and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for March 8, 2010 to March 14, 2010,
“Your History: A Valuable Past”,
by Steve Barse
&
Matthew 18:21
Matthew 18:15-35
Matthew 18:21-35
&
“Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan”
by Robert Wolgemuth
- “Insights: And Forgive”
on Matthew 18:21-35
&
Psalm 32:1-2
“Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan”
by Robert Wolgemuth
– “Godly Character: The Joy of Forgiveness”
&
Day 169, “Unlimited Forgiveness”, 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
read 3/10/10




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

While we yet live

Coming to God
unburdening our hearts
repenting, turning
giving over our sin
leaving it all
at the foot of the cross

While we yet live
turning to our savior
in this we find
the way home to God

Asking forgiveness
form the creator
for our sins
in this mortal life
and in his forgiveness
we are able to forgive others
and even ourselves
of the weight that we carried
too long estranged from God


March 10, 2010
Psalm 32:3-11
Psalm 32:1-11
and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for March 8, 2010 to March 14, 2010,
“Your History: A Valuable Past”,
by Steve Barse
&
Matthew 18:21
Matthew 18:15-35
Matthew 18:21-35
&
“Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan”
by Robert Wolgemuth
- “Insights: And Forgive”
on Matthew 18:21-35
&
Psalm 32:1-2
“Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan”
by Robert Wolgemuth
– “Godly Character: The Joy of Forgiveness”
&
Day 169, “Unlimited Forgiveness”, 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
read 3/10/10




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

A Weight Inside

My sin, my history
bottled up within me
a cancer growing
eating at my soul

A weight inside
I carried with me
long time coming
to set myself free

Confessing my sin
offered to my savior
humbly coming
before almighty God

The burden lifted
the pain I carried
my sins forgiven
because I believe



March 10, 2010
Psalm 32:3-11
Psalm 32:1-11
and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for March 8, 2010 to March 14, 2010,
“Your History: A Valuable Past”,
by Steve Barse
&
Matthew 18:21
Matthew 18:15-35
Matthew 18:21-35
&
“Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan”
by Robert Wolgemuth
- “Insights: And Forgive”
on Matthew 18:21-35
&
Psalm 32:1-2
“Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan”
by Robert Wolgemuth
– “Godly Character: The Joy of Forgiveness”
&
Day 169, “Unlimited Forgiveness”, 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
read 3/10/10




All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Showing Mercy

Because he is so merciful
we should show mercy
able to forgive because we are forgiven
hard to do, for we are human
yet by God’s grace
the example of Christ
we see our neighbor
as our brother, our sister
forgiving them each
a loved child of God


March 10, 2010
Matthew 18:21
Matthew 18:15-35
Matthew 18:21-35
&
“Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan”
by Robert Wolgemuth
- “Insights: And Forgive”
on Matthew 18:21-35
&
Psalm 32:1-2
“Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan”
by Robert Wolgemuth
– “Godly Character: The Joy of Forgiveness”
&
Day 169, “Unlimited Forgiveness”, 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
read 3/10/10




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Infinite Forgiveness

unlimited, infinite
more than seventy time seven
the forgiveness called for
that we must extend
following the example of Christ
going to the cross
while we yet sinned
forgiving them all
all of us, sinners
while he was yet on the cross
dying that we may live
by this we may forgive
letting go of our own hurt
reconciled with God
and all our neighbors,
our brothers and sisters
all of us children of God



March 10, 2010
Matthew 18:21
Matthew 18:15-35
Matthew 18:21-35
&
“Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan”
by Robert Wolgemuth
- “Insights: And Forgive”
on Matthew 18:21-35
&
Psalm 32:1-2
“Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan”
by Robert Wolgemuth
– “Godly Character: The Joy of Forgiveness”
&
Day 169, “Unlimited Forgiveness”, 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
read 3/10/10



All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

God’s Unconditional Love

God’s unconditional love
all of us part of the body
all gifted by God
rooted in God’s unconditional love
by this we may love

The qualities of love
all of them graciousness
stretching that we may love
only by the indwelling
the spirit of God guiding us

Loved because he is love
forgiven though we sin
by this we are made able
to show love to our neighbors
unmerited, holy, grace.


March 9, 2010
1 Corinthians 13


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Social and Economic Justice

Christ in his ministry
turning the world around
its focus upside down

The first to be last
our riches in heaven,
not of the earth;
even in death,
we have new birth

All of us brothers and sisters
even our enemies our neighbors
unconditional love, unmerited
freely given by God

Social and economic justice
all of us should be fed
free from oppression and dread
nothing in our silos
relying on God instead.


March 9, 2010
Faith In Action, March 5, 2010
Word from Winkler, “The sacred work of reconciliation”,
By Jim Winkler, General Secretary, General Board of Church & Society,
United Methodist Church
http://www.umc-gbcs.org/site/apps/nlnet/content.aspx?c=frLJK2PKLqF&b=5844085&ct=8061951&tr=y&auid=6027215
&
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Standing Before the Righteous

Standing before them
God in the dock
the defendant unbowed
standing before the righteous

In the darkness, in secret
lies hurled against him
unable to prove his guilt
making him take an oath

His answer unequivocal
straight-forward and direct
stating clearly he is the Christ
a threat they could not stand

Their reward already had
on earth alone exalted
treasure here in the world
this walk would be their end

His fate sealed
in his answer, his choice
led to the blood on the cross
following the will of God.


March 9, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Laboring on without him

Trembling in the darkness
after the words he had shared
telling us to remember him
his sacrifice for each of us
in the bread and the wine

Now in the garden
in the stillness, the darkness
the truth of this evident
in the cries of our Lord

Shivering in the cooling night
yet shedding sweat like blood
Christ praying in the garden
sending our minds to spin

Of laboring on without him
how were we to go on
if our master was killed
as he said
how were we to survive

The anguish, confusion
palpable in the garden
not safe since the upper room
surrounded by fear and dread



March 9, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent
&
Mark 14:12, 22-25
Isaiah 11:1-5
Isaiah 52:7 (Call to Worship)
Deuteronomy 16:1-8
Exodus 12:1-28
Deuteronomy 11:16-21
and sermon, “A Last Meal”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lordthe first in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html

http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
February 28, 2010



All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Tears in the Garden

Not just our master’s
tears in the garden
all of us aware
of the grief that he bore

Feeling the weight
in the upper room before this
now in the garden
all of us falling to our knees

Even in our sleep
the nightmare coming
the true of his death
the sacrifice of our king

The words he had shared
ringing in my ears
the bread his body
and the cup of his blood

Now in the garden
his pain so audible
crying out to God
oh if it could end

But calm coming
his tears in the garden
giving over to resolve
to do the will of God


March 9, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Cries of Our Savior

The cries of our savior
piercing the silence
the long night of his suffering
too much for him to take
praying fervently
honestly shouting
asking that God, the father,
could take the cup from his lips

The cries of our savior
the part that was human
well aware of the pain
the shame he would bear
the cost of our salvation
the false accusations
the scourging, humiliation
leading to the cross
and the cold of the tomb


March 9, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Frozen, in Silence

Frozen, in silence
we in the garden
stopping where he told us
our master farther on

His cries making us tremble
shouting out to God
begging for another path
the road he was on

Wondering what to say
or how to react in this moment
silently we prayed in the dark
the long night upon us
the betrayer entering in


March 9, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Crying in the Garden

So much pain, so much crying
the weight of that moment
too much for him to bear

We sitting, tired
kneeling ourselves at a distance
Christ farther on, praying
a stone’s throw away

Crying in the garden
aching with our savior
hearing him shouting
crying out to God

There in the garden
after the Passover
waiting for the betrayer
the dark night already begun


March 9, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Aching for Your Voice

To have been at the table
in that upper room
to have felt the warm water
your hands washing my feet

Aching for your voice
your words different from before
all the other meals shared
unlike this moment in time

Taking the unleaven bread
the loaf we had gotten
blessing the bread
breaking it with words
of your coming sacrifice

So still we sat there
hoping we weren’t hearing
the certainty of your death
as you spoke over the cup
saying this was your blood
that we must remember this too


March 9, 2010
Mark 14:12, 22-25
Isaiah 11:1-5
Isaiah 52:7 (Call to Worship)
Deuteronomy 16:1-8
Exodus 12:1-28
Deuteronomy 11:16-21
and sermon, “A Last Meal”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
the first in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 28, 2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

The Depth of Our Understanding

Grasping, yearning,
humbly falling to our knees
the depth of our understanding
wanted to comprehend
the meaning of Lent

Christ’s life, his journey
radically turning,
more than the dove,
choosing to go to Jerusalem

Centering his sights
his eyes on the temple
going when he knew
he would suffer and die

Taking to task the powerful
the self-righteous
showing us all
what it is to love

Going to the cross
becoming the sacrifice
our sin placed upon him
the lamb of God
climbing the wood
feeling the pain,
the shame of our judgment
dying there that we may truly live

March 9, 2010
Season of Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Journeying to the Cross

Not racing, running
not running away either
journeying to the cross
all these days of Lent

Moving from his ministry
healing the sick, the hurting
setting the captives free
from their pain, their bondage

Seeing his visage change
his decision to turn
his face to Jerusalem
training the disciples,
that they would come along

Focused on the center
the place of power in his land
the city of David corrupted
false piety, righteous demands

Going into the city
overturning their tables
the money-changer
chased from God’s house

The last meal,
new words of covenant
giving his body, his blood
that we would live again

Trials and suffering
shame heaped on the lamb
our sin taken up his head
carried to Calvary

Choosing the way of the cross
climbing the timbers bare
dying that we may live
crying out to God

March 9, 2010
Season of Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Only By His Grace


Only by God’s grace
at the beginning of the people
by faith alone
Only in the resurrection
the redemption of our sin
Christ already paying the price
by his grace alone
we are saved by our faith
an inheritance, a future
as unseen as with Abraham
walking by faith alone
in the wilderness
until his promise is fulfilled
and we reach home again


March 9, 2010
Christ
all Christians
Season of Lent




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 22,200+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Only by His Faith

Abraham, unseen,
the future God foretold
justified, made right with the creator
only by his faith
going into the unknown
believing God would provide
a legacy, a people
more than the stars in the sky
more than the sands on the beach
faithful to the end


March 9, 2010
Abraham


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Only by Our Faith

We, in the return of the savior
the coming of the end of the age
all we believe will be
all unseen, by faith
by the fulfillment of his promise
by God’s steadfast love
only by our faith
able to move mountains
to step out, to believe
to do our savior’s work
to live by his word,
here in this world

March 9, 2010
all Christians



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

A Worthy Example

Though a sinner
changed, made happy
in confessing, his sins removed
David, a man of God,
redeemed, reclaimed
by our creator’s grace

A worthy example, when we falter
all of us able, like him,
to be reconciled to God
by the sacrifice
our debt paid already
only to repent of our sin
and turn back to God


March 9, 2010
Psalm 32:1-2
Psalm 32:1-11
“It is Better to Confess Sin”
&
“Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan”
by Robert Wolgemuth
Psalm 32:1-2
– “Godly Character: The Joy of Forgiveness”
& a little from
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for March 8, 2010 to March 14, 2010,
“Your History: A Valuable Past”,
by Steve Barse
for March 9, 2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Our Sin Taken

In our repenting
our confession to God
in the privacy of our hearts
repenting of our sin

Our sin taken
made free, happy
no longer guilty
before our God

Christ has paid
our price for us
all we have to do
is repent and return to him


March 9, 2010
Psalm 32:1-2
Psalm 32:1-11
“It is Better to Confess Sin”
&
“Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan”
by Robert Wolgemuth
Psalm 32:1-2
– “Godly Character: The Joy of Forgiveness”
& a little from
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for March 8, 2010 to March 14, 2010,
“Your History: A Valuable Past”,
by Steve Barse
for March 9, 2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Always Easter

Within our hearts
even in our journey
purposely walking to the cross

Always Easter
our Lord risen
living eternally
beating within our hearts


March 9, 2010
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
2 Corinthians 4:6
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
John 2:13-22
and season of Lent
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=3&day=9&year=2010
for March 9, 2010, “Easter Every Day”,
by Paul Wayne Meier



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Monday, March 08, 2010

Completing Their Journey

Not yet truly finished
but completing their journey
from slavery in Egypt
a new people,
living in the promised land

Joshua leading
a new generation
the Moses for a people
a new chapter of their life
food from the land,
not manna from heaven
a new generation
to be circumcised


March 8, 2010
Joshua 5:9-12
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-March-8-14/
for March 8, 2010 to March 14, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for March 8, 2009, Joshua 5:9-12



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Even what seems impossible

God able, the people praying
even what seems impossible
our chains slipping away
a path out of our prison

Trusting in God, all of our days
turning to him for our needs
leaving behind the cares of the world
focus on the work of the Lord
he will do the rest


March 8, 2010
Acts 12:1-11
Matthew 25:40
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=3&day=8&year=2010
for March 8, 2010, “God at Work”,
by Shirley M. Corder



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

The Land Providing

Not manna from heaven
standing in the promised land
the land providing
all of their needs

God’s blessing
in the Passover
the people faithful
remembering his grace

No longer wandering
no fields did they tend
alone in the desert
relying on God alone

Come into the land
flowing with milk and honey
reaping its bounty
as the Lord had promised


March 8, 2010
Joshua 5:9-12



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Dying for Christ

Sometimes in big ways
sometimes in our day to days
turning our backs on the world
dying for Christ, that we may live

Changing the focus of our days
our lives centered on him
following Christ and where he would lead
doing his work in our time

Being the hands and feet of Christ
raising our voice for those in need
showing his face to our neighbors
turning our faces from the ways of the world
dying for God, going in his name


March 8, 2010
Matthew 16:25
Matthew 16:24-28
Matthew 16:21-28
&
Day 166, “Life’s Great Paradox”, 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
read 3/8/10
&
Matthew 16:24
Matthew 16:21-28
&
Day 166, “Challenges of the Cross”, 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
read 3/7/10
&
Matthew 16:15
Matthew 16:13-20
&
Day 165, “The Pivotal Question”, 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
read 3/7/10
&
Season of Lent




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Sunday, March 07, 2010

At the table too

The light waning
the upper room growing dark
the quiet building
the Seder starting
common words of remembrance
of God’s saving from slavery

But something different
the words new
a covenant, a sacrifice
Jesus would die for me and you

At the table too
each time we remember
not just once a year
each time we break the bread
returning to the upper room
hearing our savior’s words anew


March 7, 2010
Mark 14:12, 22-25
Isaiah 11:1-5
Isaiah 52:7 (Call to Worship)
Deuteronomy 16:1-8
Exodus 12:1-28
Deuteronomy 11:16-21
and sermon, “A Last Meal”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
the first in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 28, 2010



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Hear My Cry

Like Christ in the garden
hear my cry, oh Lord
when I call you
in the darkness

Save me from my sin
bring me home to you;
Forgive me Lord
let me do your will


March 7, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Hear Our Cry

Like Christ in the garden
hear our cry, oh Lord
when we call you
Save us from our sin
bring us home to you
forgive us Lord
let us do your will


March 7, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Take this Cup

Take this cup
he cried out in pain
knowing this future
The crushing sorrow
the suffering to come

Strengthened by his prayers
alone with the father
staying true to his path
even to the cross
doing the master’s will


March 7, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Crushing Sorrow

The moment had come
the betrayer on the way
alone in the garden
Christ going to pray

Crushing sorrow
that this day had come
the cup of suffering
waiting for his lips

There in the garden
Christ actively choosing
though fear gripped him
following the master’s will

Taking the cup from its place
putting it to his lips
drinking the bitter harvest
taking on our sins


March 7, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

The rock where he prayed

Christ in the garden
at the rock where he prayed
maybe at an altar of stone
like the patriarchs
the ones before
kneeling to pray

In the garden, Gethsemane,
while the disciple slept
the drama of his destiny
played out in the prayer he said

Asking God for mercy
even to change his path
that the suffering could be avoided
praying that the cup
would not touch his lips
yet staying true to his call
following the master’s plan



March 7, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent



All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

At this Rock

On the Mount of Olives
in the garden, Gethsemane
at this rock
Christ took up the cup
choosing to die for me

Taking on my sin
all of mankind
from the beginning of time
taking the bitterness to his lips
choosing the cross
over the throne
that I too may live


March 7, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

His Choices on that Day

History forever changed
by the choices he made that day
the upper room, the garden,
before the Sanhedrin,
his trial before Pilate too

Choosing, each step of the way
even to the cross
to follow the way
the path God had laid out
never turning
to the right or to the left

Christ, on that day,
fulfilling the law,
all of the prophets as well
showing mankind
the love of God
going to the cross for us



March 7, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent



All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Power of His Decision

The power of his decision
there in the garden
Christ choosing to take on our sin
the curse brought on by Adam
hanging over us
healed in the choice of one man

No longer set apart
kept away from God
captives of our own sin
a path, a way, back to God
through the act of the son


March 7, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

The Power in His Decision

The power in his decision
there in the garden
to remain loyal to God
to take on the sins of the world
to go to the cross for us

Christ choosing the way of suffering
that thy kingdom come
the will of God to be achieved
in his suffering for us
Our breach, since the fall of man
forever to be healed


March 7, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

What a Decision

There in the garden
leaving his disciples
going farther
praying alone to God

What a decision
Christ would make there
submitting to God’s will
drinking of that cup

Never before
in the history of man
would such a decision occur

God choosing to take on our sin
dying in our place
that we would be restored to him


March 7, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Warnings He Gave Us

As they fell sleeping
unconscious of the dangers
falling to sleep in the garden
warnings he gave us
for each of us urgent
to keep watch, ever vigilant,
praying to avoid temptation
that we would be strong
in the moments of crisis
that we would remain
faithful to God



March 7, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent



All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Retelling His Story

In this season
retelling his story
especially the last day of his life
his suffering and his sacrifice
his choices on that day
that gave you and me new life

A dark, dark day
yet hope as well
seeing the depth of God’s love
a covenant of blood
in the upper room
staying when
he could have fled


March 7, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Salvation in His Decision

Even after, but especially in that moment
Christ alone in the garden
though they were near to him
he was alone before almighty God

On his knees
sweat coming like blood
falling to the ground

There in the garden
his fears before God
humbly, a servant come
asking for another path for his life
but submitting to the master’s will

Salvation in his decision
to remain faithful
walking the narrow way
following where God
called him to go
drinking the cup of suffering


March 7, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

The Last Day of His Life

The last day of his life
Christ upon the earth
from the covenant
in the upper room
to the pain of the cross
the cold of the grave

The story of our faith
all in this one day
Christ sacrificing himself for us
showing love
in the face of his pain
taking on our shame willingly

The priest, the lamb,
offering remedy
reconciling us to God
the hands of all of us
placed on his head
dying for all of our sin


March 7, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Terrible Suffering

Knowing what was to come
Christ knowing fully
the terrible suffering
the fruits of the choice
he was making
there in the garden
before our God

Such was the backdrop
the words he uttered
crying out to God
that the cup wouldn’t
have to come to his lips
that he wouldn’t drink
of the bitterness, sin

Drinking of our sin,
in the garden choosing,
taking the cup to his lips
waiting for the betrayer
the mob that would come
turning himself over
accepting the suffering for us


March 7, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Fleeing in the Darkness

So many other choices
a range of other outcomes
what he could have done
in that moment of decision
at what a cost for us

If he had changed his answers
appeasing the authorities
or running fleeing in the darkness
in that moment of decision
at what a cost for us

Instead, praying in the garden
waiting for the betrayer
praying humbly to God
asking that the cup could pass him by
but submitting to his will

Choosing to stay
to take on the suffering
the lamb choosing to sacrifice
to go the way of the cross
that we may live


March 7, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Covered in Grief and Anguish

Like a thick heavy blanket
heavy resting upon him
covered in grief and sorrow
Christ praying in the garden
strength to carry on

First praying that the cup
the suffering would pass him by
but praying that God’s will would be done
that he would remain faithful to our master
completing his work, prophecy

Heavy, repeating, his plea for another way
but also his prayer for strength
to follow God’s plan for his life
even the suffering, the sorrow
that leads to new life for us


March 7, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Knowing These People

Praying in the garden
knowing these people
oh so well
all of humanity the same

Christ praying in the garden
choosing the cup of suffering
while we yet sin
his sacrifice for us

Knowing we will betray him
reject and despise him
that we would deny our God
and run away from him

Yet there in the garden
Christ, though he was human,
choosing to suffer for us
that we may live again


March 7, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Worship with Our Hands

Not just with our presence
our voices on Sunday mornings
Worship with our hands
offering assistance
in serving our neighbors
in the washing and the sweeping
in the little things of work
So we can offer
more than just a little
hope in the doing
in our smiles and our greetings
being the hands,
the feet of Christ


March 7, 2010
Season of Lent
Our Family’s Table
Community dinner
http://www.suncookumc.org  
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org  
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
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. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,610+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

I give up

hearing her words
in pain, at a loss
wondering where to turn
saying, “I give up”,
not knowing what to do

not always words of failure
though the world would tell us so
sometimes these words
words of hope,
of our faith

turning our cares over
our concerns, our doubts
leaving our prayers ever
trusting in him, leaving them
on the altar of the Lord


March 7, 2010
Season of Lent




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

On the Night of His Betrayal

The meal, the Seder
his blessing of the bread
the breaking, the sharing
the cup as well, his sacrifice

In words they had never heard
a new covenant
the meal that we share
remembering what he did

That night of his betrayal
offering to all of them
who would deny him, betray him,
though they would run away

Like us, still today
needing his gift, his grace
when we too betray, deny him
when we too run away


March 7, 2010
Mark 14:12, 22-25
Isaiah 11:1-5
Isaiah 52:7 (Call to Worship)
Deuteronomy 16:1-8
Exodus 12:1-28
Deuteronomy 11:16-21
and sermon, “A Last Meal”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
the first in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 28, 2010
&
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Despite His Fears

Despite his fears
knowing what he knew
faithful to God
to follow his will

In the garden
that moment precisely
Christ drinking, a different cup
of sin, of sacrifice

Righteous, in his prayer
turning from the world
in choosing to drink
doing the master’s will


March 7, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

The Cadence of His Prayer

repeated more than once
marking time, in threes
that thy will, oh God
not my own but your will
would be done in that moment

Christ in the garden praying
knowing his betrayer soon at hand
going alone into the garden
to speak with God again

Each time asking,
if the cup could pass by his lips
yet each time also
praying that thy will be done


March 7, 2010
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

No cost but to believe

No price for his grace
the love of God for man
Christ come to earth
to save us from our sin

No cost but to believe
to trust in God alone
turning our lives toward the Lord
in him is our reward


March 7, 2010
John 3:16 (Message for Children)
&
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

only to believe

eternal salvation
no cost but to believe
the gift of God
his son descending
coming to dwell with us
to walk upon the earth

no big sacrifice
the price already paid
the love of God for us
his grace paved the way

Only to turn to Jesus
to pick up our cross
to go the way of our savior
to bring hope to the lost


March 7, 2010
John 3:16 (Message for Children)
&
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

The Price of Forgiveness

Having been forgiven
by the blood of the lamb
the sacrifice of Christ on the cross
we are to forgive, within our hearts
a kind word instead to give

He gave his all
though he was without sin
suffering in our place
carrying our shame to the cross
in him we are redeemed again

Turning our cheek
when hurt comes our way
offering forgiveness to them
following the example of the Christ
sowing seeds of love instead


March 7, 2010
Romans 5:18
Romans 5:12-19
Romans 5:12-21
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=3&day=7&year=2010
for March 7, 2010, “Third Sunday in Lent”,
by Thomas Renich
&
Genesis 2:15-3:13
Genesis 2:15-25
Genesis 3:1-13
1 John 4, 7, 9 (Call to Worship)
Unison Prayer,
Ephesians 5:20-33
and sermon,
“What is This Thing Called Love?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org/MessagePastorHuntley21410.dsp
based in part on book,
Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt (http://www.bnaibrith.org/lbureau/rosenblatt_naomi.cfm) and Joshua Horwitz (http://www.randomhouse.com/author/results.pperl?authorid=42725&view=full_sptlght )
http://www.amazon.com/Wrestling-Angels-Spiritual-Sexuality-Relationships/dp/0385313330
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 14, 2010
Transfiguration Sunday
&
Mark 9:2-9
&
Paragraph 103, Section 3 – Our Doctrinal Standards and General Rules:
The Articles of Religion of the Methodist Church, (generally Articles I to XII
http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=1817
http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=1649
http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=1650
and specifically:
Article II – “Of the Word, or Son of God, Who Was Made Very Man”;
Article VII – “Of Original or Birth Sin”;
Article VIII – “Of Free Will”),
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=679753
The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2008 edition
&
Romans 5:12-21
1 Corinthians 15:22
&
Doctrine of Original Sin
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_sin
&
John Wesley’s sermon on Original Sin (sermon #44)
http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umhistory/wesley/sermons/44/
&
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
on the meaning of “being made in the image of God”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 13, 2010
&
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Denying Ourselves

Dropping our own plans
turning to the Lord
picking up our cross
going where we are told

Following the path laid out
going where we are called
Doing our part in the world
giving God our all


March 7, 2010
Matthew 16:24
Matthew 16:21-28
&
Day 166, “Challenges of the Cross”, 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
read 3/7/10
&
Matthew 16:15
Matthew 16:13-20
&
Day 165, “The Pivotal Question”, 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
read 3/7/10
&
Season of Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Carrying My Cross

Yoking myself to my savior
in him is my strength
carrying my cross
following my brother

Picking up my cross
my work on God’s earth
telling the good news of Christ
that all may have new birth

Going where I am called
following where I am led
traveling the way of the cross
in him I find my rest


March 7, 2010
Matthew 16:24
Matthew 16:21-28
&
Day 166, “Challenges of the Cross”, 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
read 3/7/10
&
Matthew 16:15
Matthew 16:13-20
&
Day 165, “The Pivotal Question”, 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
read 3/7/10
&
Season of Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.