Saturday, July 09, 2011

Failing to see the message

Failing to see the message
the truth in God’s word
his love revealed
in the pages within
the story of love
conquering our sin
grace taking our place
that we too may live.


July 9, 2011
John 1
overview of the Gospel of John
90 day New Testament Bible Study
John 1, John 2, John 3
read July 6, 2011

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,340+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

God’s Life-Giving Love

The word of God
alive in Christ
God’s life-giving love
walking with us

Showing us the Father
in the living Son
a way to heaven
through the gate of the cross


July 9, 2011
John 1
overview of the Gospel of John
90 day New Testament Bible Study
John 1, John 2, John 3
read July 6, 2011

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,340+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Speaking Christ – v2

The Word
made Flesh
Speaking Christ into existence
healing the nations
the power in creation
the living Word of God
walking here with us
living, teaching
going before us
preparing a way
through the gate of the cross



edited July 9, 2011
July 6, 2011 and July 9, 2011
John 1
overview of the Gospel of John
90 day New Testament Bible Study
John 1, John 2, John 3
read July 6, 2011

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,340+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Blind to the Word

Blind we remain
from the beginning of time
to God’s love for us
his care for our future
the law, the Word
His love come down
the Savior here with us
in the person of Christ
blind to the Word
his promises fulfilled


July 9, 2011
John 1
overview of the Gospel of John
90 day New Testament Bible Study
John 1, John 2, John 3
read July 6, 2011

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,330+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Unable to See

The words of Christ
the words of the holy word
revealing the Messiah
his story to unfold
the living God
in human flesh
living out all prophecy
put to the test

Love overcoming
God’s final word
even if we are blind
unable to see
The truth unchanging
love the final word
a message to share
to the ends of the world


July 9, 2011
John 1
overview of the Gospel of John
90 day New Testament Bible Study
John 1, John 2, John 3
read July 6, 2011

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,330+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Our Eyes Blind

The word so simple
the word of God, Love
never truly hidden
there for us to see
Sending his Son
to walk here with us
to bring us to glory
if we would turn from our sin
if we would repent
walking with God
seeking him ever
following his ways
leading us to heaven
at the end of our days


July 9, 2011
John 1
overview of the Gospel of John
90 day New Testament Bible Study
John 1, John 2, John 3
read July 6, 2011

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,330+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

The Message Revealed

Love come down
God come to earth
the Message revealed
in the living Christ

Yet we failed to know him
to see him for who he was
unable to see the Messiah
standing here with us


July 9, 2011
John 1
overview of the Gospel of John
90 day New Testament Bible Study
John 1, John 2, John 3
read July 6, 2011

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,330+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

I Believe

The power in the word
in our living speech
the power to tear apart
the power to heal

Through the prism of creation
the words of Genesis
the opening words of the apostle
the living word of John

The words, I believe,
holy, sacred words
words to change our lives
words to change the whole world.



July 6, 2011
John 1
overview of the Gospel of John
90 day New Testament Bible Study
John 1, John 2, John 3
read July 6, 2011


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,330+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

He is the Word of God

The holy scripture
the living word of God
embodied, living
taking on human form
Christ, the carpenter,
the son of the living God
walking here with us
the living word of God



July 6, 2011
John 1
overview of the Gospel of John
90 day New Testament Bible Study
John 1, John 2, John 3
read July 6, 2011

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,330+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Speaking Christ

The Word
made Flesh
Speaking Christ into existence
healing the nations
the power in creation
the living Word of God
walking here with us



July 6, 2011 and July 9, 2011
John 1
overview of the Gospel of John
90 day New Testament Bible Study
John 1, John 2, John 3
read July 6, 2011

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,330+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Speaking Salvation into Existence

The words of John
words of the apostle
of the awareness, the certainty
of the power of the name
of the Word Made Flesh
of God who came
down to the earth
to save us from sin
giving us new life
oh let it begin


July 6, 2011 and July 9, 2011
John 1
overview of the Gospel of John
90 day New Testament Bible Study
John 1, John 2, John 3
read July 6, 2011


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,330+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Friday, July 08, 2011

Good Earth

The Word
planted in us
a prayer that we would be
the good, good earth
Rich soil ready
eager to learn
to hear God’s message
to submit to Your love
Bind us Lord
in the strands of Your grace
heal me so
I may see Your face
to stand with You
to pray in Your courts
ever after
my walk on this earth
Lead me Lord
where I must go
to share Your word
Your light
wherever I may go


July 8, 2011

edited October 22, 2015
To scatter our seeds freely – v2
edited October 22, 2015
We too are Sowers – v2
July 20, 2011
We too are Sowers
July 20, 2011
To scatter our seeds freely
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (The Message Bible)
A Harvest Story
The Parable of the Sower
The Meaning of the Harvest Story
Isaiah 55:10-11 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
Psalm 90:1-2 (Gods WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s word is life-giving”
and sermon: “Soaking Up the Word”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 10, 2011
Fifth Sunday of Pentecost

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 39,720+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

From Everlasting to Everlasting

From before the beginning
from everlasting to everlasting
You are the Creator, Sustainer
You are the living God
No one comes before You
there is no one else
all should bow before You
offering You our praise


July 8, 2011

edited October 22, 2015
To scatter our seeds freely – v2
edited October 22, 2015
We too are Sowers – v2
July 20, 2011
We too are Sowers
July 20, 2011
To scatter our seeds freely
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (The Message Bible)
A Harvest Story
The Parable of the Sower
The Meaning of the Harvest Story
Isaiah 55:10-11 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
Psalm 90:1-2 (Gods WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s word is life-giving”
and sermon: “Soaking Up the Word”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 10, 2011
Fifth Sunday of Pentecost


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 39,720+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Drinking of the Living Water

The Word, Life
the living water, Bread
drinking of the living water
tasting the love of God

We are to be the good soil
open to His Word
heeding God’s calling
out into the world

Staying on the path
never dropping our cross
faithful to the love of God
witnesses in this time
to the last, the least, the lost



July 8, 2011

edited October 22, 2015
To scatter our seeds freely – v2
edited October 22, 2015
We too are Sowers – v2
July 20, 2011
We too are Sowers
July 20, 2011
To scatter our seeds freely
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (The Message Bible)
A Harvest Story
The Parable of the Sower
The Meaning of the Harvest Story
Isaiah 55:10-11 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
Psalm 90:1-2 (Gods WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s word is life-giving”
and sermon: “Soaking Up the Word”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 10, 2011
Fifth Sunday of Pentecost


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 39,720+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Being Good Soil

Open to God’s calling
changed by His Word
seeking Him always
serving in the world
Being good soil
so we are called to be
answering freely
submitting to God
His hands and feet
His witnesses now
planting other seeds
a harvest for the Lord


July 8, 2011
edited October 22, 2015
To scatter our seeds freely – v2
edited October 22, 2015
We too are Sowers – v2
July 20, 2011
We too are Sowers
July 20, 2011
To scatter our seeds freely
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (The Message Bible)
A Harvest Story
The Parable of the Sower
The Meaning of the Harvest Story
Isaiah 55:10-11 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
Psalm 90:1-2 (Gods WORD Translation)(Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s word is life-giving”
and sermon: “Soaking Up the Word”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 10, 2011
Fifth Sunday of Pentecost


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 39,720+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Circle of Life (Web) – edited - 4

We are connected
one another, every moment,
every place, every cell,
every movement, every utterance
each action, reverberates
echoes, across time,
through space
splits, echoes back
in millions of waves
from different points
on the expanding sphere encircling
each speck, each tiny spot
each one of us, infinitesimal
members clinging to the web
whirling in time and place
together turning, moving in space


edited July 8, 2011
8/6/06 22:50


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 12,320+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Circle of Life (Web) – edited - 3

We are connected
one another, every moment,
every place, every cell,
every movement, every utterance
each action, reverberates
echoes, across time,
through space
splits, echoes back
in millions of waves
from different points
on the expanding sphere encircling
each speck, each tiny spot
each one of us, infinitesimal
members clinging to the web
whirling in time and space
together turning,
spinning in place


edited July 7, 2011
8/6/06 22:50

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 12,320+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Framed by the Arc

Not by the square
hard edges, immoveable
framed by the arc
rounded, smooth
turning, moving
the spinning of creation
of the sphere, connection
all of our together
moving as one
interconnected, family
in the circle of life


July 8, 2011
on conversations with Burton Rein


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 20,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Clothed with Power from on High

The garment of the Spirit
protection from the world
bathing us with water
crowned with His love
Clothed with power from on high
the Spirit like a dove
sent to spread God’s word
repenting of our sin
Forgiveness in God’s blessing
that we too may live
walking with our Savior
oh let our new life begin



July 6, 2011
Luke 24:49
Luke 24:36-49
90 day New Testament Bible Study
Luke 22, Luke 23, Luke 24
read July 3, 2011

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,320+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

On the Day He Died

Today, on the day he died
with Christ in glory
walking in paradise
The good thief reaping
a harvest of joy
with Christ in glory
life, evermore



July 6, 2011
Luke 23:43
90 day New Testament Bible Study
Luke 22, Luke 23, Luke 24
read July 3, 2011

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,320+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Monday, July 04, 2011

Slaves of Christ

Servants, slaves of Christ
our bodies, our blood
the sacrifice, the offering
our gifts to God
given freely
willingly, by our choice
submitting our lives
completely to God
for his holy purpose
forever, for all times



July 4, 2011
John 8:31-36 (Common English Bible)
Colossians 2:11-13 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Worship Theme: “God Gives Freedom”
and sermon: “FREEDOM!!”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 3, 2011
Third Sunday of Pentecost
&
July 4, 1776
Independence Day
September 11, 2011
the day the World Trade Center towers fell
&
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
Luke 10:16-20
Galatians 6:7-10
Psalm 36:5-10 (United Methodist Hymnal #771)
Worship Theme: “The high cost of freedom”
and sermon, “The Cost of Freedom”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 4, 2010


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,290+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live

Slaves with Christ

Freed by Christ
from our past
the way of the world
Slaves with Christ
to God, submitting
giving of our wills
our lives given
given to God
His will for our lives
our lives no more
we are only the bodies
the gloves, the tissue
within which God’s will
God’s perfect love
alive, through us
if we submit, to God
like Christ in the garden
God’s vessel
poured out for the world.



July 4, 2011
John 8:31-36 (Common English Bible)
Colossians 2:11-13 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Worship Theme: “God Gives Freedom”
and sermon: “FREEDOM!!”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 3, 2011
Third Sunday of Pentecost
&
July 4, 1776
Independence Day
September 11, 2011
the day the World Trade Center towers fell
&
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
Luke 10:16-20
Galatians 6:7-10
Psalm 36:5-10 (United Methodist Hymnal #771)
Worship Theme: “The high cost of freedom”
and sermon, “The Cost of Freedom”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 4, 2010


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,290+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live

Those who have fought

We remember
in the midst of our celebration
gathered as a people
though spread across our land
Remembering those
those who spoke out
words of freedom
those who fought
to make those truths real
those who have died for us
the cost of our freedom
The vision to speak this dream
and the courage to keep it alive



July 4, 2011
John 8:31-36 (Common English Bible)
Colossians 2:11-13 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Worship Theme: “God Gives Freedom”
and sermon: “FREEDOM!!”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 3, 2011
Third Sunday of Pentecost
&
July 4, 1776
Independence Day
September 11, 2011
the day the World Trade Center towers fell
&
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
Luke 10:16-20
Galatians 6:7-10
Psalm 36:5-10 (United Methodist Hymnal #771)
Worship Theme: “The high cost of freedom”
and sermon, “The Cost of Freedom”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 4, 2010


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,310+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live

In the Power of God

In the power of God
raised from the dead
rising from the water of life
raised to heaven above
with Christ
high above the earth

Standing with our Savior
at the end of our days
heeding our Master’s call
walking in his ways
healed of all brokenness
restored by God’s grace



July 4, 2011
John 8:31-36 (Common English Bible)
Colossians 2:11-13 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Worship Theme: “God Gives Freedom”
and sermon: “FREEDOM!!”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 3, 2011
Third Sunday of Pentecost
&
July 4, 1776
Independence Day
September 11, 2011
the day the World Trade Center towers fell
&
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
Luke 10:16-20
Galatians 6:7-10
Psalm 36:5-10 (United Methodist Hymnal #771)
Worship Theme: “The high cost of freedom”
and sermon, “The Cost of Freedom”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 4, 2010


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,310+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live

Sermon - "Freedom!", by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, Suncook United Methodist Church, July 3, 2011

Pastor Ruth Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
July 3, 2011
4th Sunday after Pentecost
Colossians 2:11-13 Gods word Translation
John 8:31-36 Common English Bible

Freedom!

Happy 4th of July. . . a day early. . . this week we celebrate the freedom that we have here in the United States. There are many countries in the world where the people have no freedom. They live under a dictatorship and are oppressed by others. This freedom we have didn’t come without a cost. Many men and women have laid down their lives so that we can have this freedom that we are able to enjoy. This week. . . we remember those who have fought for our freedom. Freedom comes with a price. . .

I am reminded of another way we are free. . . through the willingness of one person to die instead of us getting the death that we deserve. This person died so that we could have freedom. . . a freedom that does not come by human hands but by the grace of God. That freedom comes through the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross. In Him, we are freed from the penalty of sin which is death and are offered a new life in Him.

The Scripture from Colossians this morning tells us that we are put in the tomb with Christ through baptism and are brought back to life again with Christ through faith in the power of God who brought Jesus back to life. It is through Christ that we receive this wonderful, new life. . . an abundant life. But there are times when we might slip back to “our old ways”. . . start reliving that life of sin and death. We may take our freedom for granted or think that because we have been baptized we don’t have to worry anymore. Some even believe that they are of “noble character” and because of that they don’t have to worry about needing to be set free. But they are wrong. The only way to true freedom is through Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior.

Listen to what John 8 verses 31-36 has to say about our need for salvation and by which way it comes. . . (And I’m reading from the Common English Bible this morning. . . )

God’s word tells us about how we are set free. It is not by our works or by heritage. It is by our baptism and faith in Christ. . . it is by the blood that was shed on Cavalries hill that we are set free. We become permanent members of God’s household. We are adopted and receive the name of sons and daughters of the Most High God. . . we are redeemed and esteemed as children of God.

How freeing is that? No longer does sin have a hold on us. . . no longer do we need to feel the sting of death caused by sin. . . we are baptized into the Royal Family. But let us not take our freedom too lightly. . . it came at a cost. . . You see not only do we receive our independence from sin but at the same time. . . we become dependent on Jesus. . . we depend on that grace we receive. . . we depend on the love. . . .we depend on His guidance in our lives. . . I don’t know about you but this kind of dependency works for me. . . through our discipleship and trust in Christ we continue to live in that new life in Christ. AMEN?!

Like the freedom we enjoy because of the men and women of our military, we receive an even more important freedom from the love of God through Christ. As we remember this week those who have fought for our earthly freedom, let us not forget about the one who has fought and conquered for us. . . one who offers us an eternal freedom. . . Our Risen Lord Jesus Christ. We may have to continue our fight for freedom here on earth but we no longer have to fight for our freedom over sin and death. The price has been paid by the One who sets us free indeed. . . our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Praise God. . . Alleluia. . . AMEN!

July 4, 2011
A Call to Worship for Independence Day
The Rev. Nathan Decker
John 8:31-36 (Common English Bible)
Colossians 2:11-13 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Worship Theme: “God Gives Freedom
and sermon: “FREEDOM!!”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 3, 2011
Third Sunday of Pentecost
&
July 4, 1776
Independence Day
September 11, 2011
the day the World Trade Center towers fell
&
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
Luke 10:16-20
Galatians 6:7-10
Psalm 36:5-10 (United Methodist Hymnal #771)
Worship Theme: “The high cost of freedom”
and sermon, “The Cost of Freedom”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

July 4, 2010

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 37,710+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Dream was Fostered

Born in that crucible
resolute, strong
standing against adversity
a Declaration was signed
a dream was fostered
borning a nation
hope in one another
in liberty for all

Watched over by Creator
loving us all
hope in a future
a dream that continues still
the dream we stand for in this time
the dream of this great land
our home, America
for thee we stand

Resolute from attacks
from foreign lands or within
seeking the better nature
peace from sea to sea
hope together fostered
one nation, a people
a country, a city
shining on the hill



July 4, 2011
July 4, 1776
Independence Day
Declaration of Independence
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html
September 11, 2011
the day the World Trade Center towers fell




All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 41,680+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Snares Released

The bonds that hold us
the struggles in this life
redeemed from the lost
in the sacrifice of Christ

The snares released
our brokenness healed
our bodies restored
when we come to believe

Repenting of our past
the ways of this world
turning to our God
the comfort of His word

Living as we are called
following the Christ
redeemed from the lost
walking in his light



July 4, 2011
John 8:31-36 (Common English Bible)
Colossians 2:11-13 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Worship Theme: “God Gives Freedom”
and sermon: “FREEDOM!!”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 3, 2011
Third Sunday of Pentecost
&
July 4, 1776
Independence Day
September 11, 2011
the day the World Trade Center towers fell
&
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
Luke 10:16-20
Galatians 6:7-10
Psalm 36:5-10 (United Methodist Hymnal #771)
Worship Theme: “The high cost of freedom”
and sermon, “The Cost of Freedom”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 4, 2010
&
Luke 13:16
Luke 13:10-17
Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman on the Sabbath
90 day New Testament Bible Study
Luke 13, Luke 14, Luke 15
read July 3, 2011

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,310+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

By Our Freedom in Christ

Healed, restored
walking in the light
by our freedom in Christ
brought back from the dead
restored to life
away from our past
turned from the world
and turned toward our God


July 4, 2011
John 8:31-36 (Common English Bible)
Colossians 2:11-13 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Worship Theme: “God Gives Freedom”
and sermon: “FREEDOM!!”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://pastorruth.posterous.com
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 3, 2011
Third Sunday of Pentecost
&
July 4, 1776
Independence Day
September 11, 2011
the day the World Trade Center towers fell
&
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
Luke 10:16-20
Galatians 6:7-10
Psalm 36:5-10 (United Methodist Hymnal #771)
Worship Theme: “The high cost of freedom”
and sermon, “The Cost of Freedom”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 4, 2010
Luke 13:16
Luke 13:10-17
Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman on the Sabbath
90 day New Testament Bible Study
Luke 13, Luke 14, Luke 15
read July 3, 2011


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,310+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Our Bonds Loosed

All that holds us
that pulls us to the ground
our bonds loosed by God
by the sacrifice of Christ
The weight lifted
our illness removed
our bodies healed
by the love of God
by the touch of our Savior
his loving sacrifice
raising us from the dead
restoring us to life


July 4, 2011
Luke 13:16
Luke 13:10-17
Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman on the Sabbath
90 day New Testament Bible Study
Luke 13, Luke 14, Luke 15
read July 3, 2011

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 20,070+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

All of Us Freed

On the Sabbath day
when we come to believe
turning to the Lord
for all of our needs

Healed by God
set free of our chains
rising with Christ
to proclaim Your holy name



July 4, 2011
John 8:31-36 (Common English Bible)
Colossians 2:11-13 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Worship Theme: “God Gives Freedom”
and sermon: “FREEDOM!!”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
July 3, 2011
Third Sunday of Pentecost
&
July 4, 1776
Independence Day
September 11, 2011
the day the World Trade Center towers fell
&
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
Luke 10:16-20
Galatians 6:7-10
Psalm 36:5-10 (United Methodist Hymnal #771)
Worship Theme: “The high cost of freedom”
and sermon, “The Cost of Freedom”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
July 4, 2010
&
Luke 13:16
Luke 13:10-17
Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman on the Sabbath
90 day New Testament Bible Study
Luke 13, Luke 14, Luke 15
read July 3, 2011

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 20,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Unless you repent

Unless we repent
you and me
doomed, damned
for all eternity

Unless we give up
control of our lives
turning to Christ
this very day

We will we lost
the weight of our sin
too much to carry
the load to the grave

Carry instead the cross
the way of the Lord
follow where he will lead
in him is our reward



July 4, 2011
Luke 13:1-9
Luke 13:2
Luke 13:6
90 day New Testament Bible Study
Luke 13, Luke 14, Luke 15
read July 3, 2011

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 20,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

All Are Doomed

Left to our devices
our way in this world
the path we are on
all are headed to doom
Our ways laden with sin
so far from God
no time to begin
to come back from the brink

Only in turning
giving up control
do we live, are we alive
in the grace of our God
healed from our brokenness
nothing more is required
fully restored, alive
by the sacrifice of Christ alone



July 4, 2011
Luke 13:1-9
Luke 13:2
Luke 13:6
90 day New Testament Bible Study
Luke 13, Luke 14, Luke 15
read July 3, 2011

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 20,075+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Repent

Repent of your past
of your wickedness
turn from your sin
turn to the Christ
He calls you ever
calling you by name
answer him boldly
step into the light



July 4, 2011
Luke 13:1-9
Luke 13:2
Luke 13:6
90 day New Testament Bible Study
Luke 13, Luke 14, Luke 15
read July 3, 2011

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 20,075+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

All Are Sinners

All are sinners
all of us lost
but for the Christ
our path, our end
into the fiery pit
eternal damnation
the wages of sin


July 4, 2011
Luke 13:1-9
Luke 13:2
Luke 13:6
90 day New Testament Bible Study
Luke 13, Luke 14, Luke 15
read July 3, 2011


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 20,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

We too will die

Our path set
as surely as those of old
set against our God
against the way of the law
following our own path
the way of the world
ignoring his word
his commandments for our lives
we too will die
but for the Christ
setting us free from sin
raising us from the dead



July 4, 2011
Luke 13:1-9
Luke 13:2
Luke 13:6
90 day New Testament Bible Study
Luke 13, Luke 14, Luke 15
read July 3, 2011

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 20,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Spectrum of Light

A spectrum of light
the circle of life
from end to end, unending
revolving in flight
round and round turning
the hard edges made smooth
not polar opposites
but places on a line
the thread of the web
woven into life
a tapestry growing
out of our peace and our strife
the tale of the nations
of the peoples near and far
the interconnectedness of nations
all colors and hues
all tongues and races
connected, turning
on this spinning top, this union,
this globe we call home



July 4, 2011
on conversations with Burton Rein


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 20,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

You too will perish

None of us immune
all convicted by sin
you too will perish
if you refuse to live
to walk in the light
in the path of God
refusing to repent of your sin
dying to yourself
holding onto the world
death would be your reward
turn instead to God
to walk with the risen Savior
to be a child of the most high
to stand in the light
to be forever Yours



July 4, 2011
Luke 13:1-9
Luke 13:2
Luke 13:6
90 day New Testament Bible Study
Luke 13, Luke 14, Luke 15
read July 3, 2011


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 20,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The crippled woman

The crippled woman
a child of God
set free on the Sabbath
by the touch of God
freed from what bound her
lifting her up
healed as we are
filling our cup
A message flowing
from God to us
to be shared richly
our blessings from above
poured out as we are filled
that all may hear
another crippled one healed
by faith in our Lord
turning from this world
turning back to our God



July 4, 2011
Luke 13:16
Luke 13:10-17
Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman on the Sabbath
90 day New Testament Bible Study
Luke 13, Luke 14, Luke 15
read July 3, 2011

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 20,070+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Taste of My Banquet

God’s promise
abundant love
a taste of his banquet
not for those invited
who reject God’s call
only for those who come
who offer him there all
the chosen rejected
if they turn from him
wailing and gnashing
of their teeth in the pit
the banquet sitting ready
for those would believe



July 4, 2011
Luke 14:24
Luke 14:15-24
Parable of the Great Banquet
90 day New Testament Bible Study
Luke 13, Luke 14, Luke 15
read July 3, 2011

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 20,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Those who had been invited

God will reject us
those who have been invited
if we turn away
if we choose another path
Only by being faithful
turning from the world
following our Savior
are we restored
Repenting of our past
picking up our cross
following our Master
to redeem the lost
Going joyful
to do our Brother’s work
carrying his message
out into Your world



July 4, 2011
Luke 14:17
Luke 14:15-24
Parable of the Great Banquet
90 day New Testament Bible Study
Luke 13, Luke 14, Luke 15
read July 3, 2011

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 20,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Like the Wonder of Christmas Morning

To receive the kingdom
like a little child
we must remember that feeling
of newness, of delight
we must shed our history
what we know in this life
pulling back our memories
to moments of wonder and light

Like the wonder of Christmas morning
presents under the tree
with awe and amazement
glimmering in the tree’s lights
wide-eyed wonder, joy
in gifts wrapped for us
receiving them with blessings
of hope of what’s inside


July 4, 2011
Luke 18:15-17
90 day New Testament Bible Study
Luke 16, Luke 17, Luke 18
read July 4, 2011

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 20,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Within Us

Profound words
one line of scripture
a way to live our lives
walking closer to God

The kingdom of God
not a place, living within us
when we turn from the world
repenting of our sin

Walking with our Savior
the Spirit indwelling within
changing us completely
that we may truly live



July 4, 2011
Luke 17:21
Luke 17:20-21
90 day New Testament Bible Study
Luke 16, Luke 17, Luke 18
read July 4, 2011

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 21,040+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Unworthy Servants

Doing far less than our duty
disobedient to God
so far from his commandments
sinning against the law

Unworthy servants, all of us
so far from our God
needing the sacrifice of Christ
his grace to be restored



July 4, 2011
Luke 17:7-10
90 day New Testament Bible Study
Luke 16, Luke 17, Luke 18
read July 4, 2011


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 21,040+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Walking in their Shadows

Those who have gone before
shaping the dream
the idea that is America
coming together of peoples
from all around the globe
a patchwork quilt, a melting-pot
worth far more than gold

Walking in their shadows
our aspirations just as high
that this land would always be free
a shining city on the hill
an example to the nations
of what freedom should be
in a just and peaceful world



July 4, 2011
July 4, 1776
Independence Day
Declaration of Independence
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html
September 11, 2011
the day the World Trade Center towers fell




All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 41,680+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.