Saturday, March 23, 2013

sin and grace

the human and divine
the mortal and eternal
sin and grace
man and God

the difference stark
between hearts and minds
the sin separates
and grace heals the breach


March 23, 2013
Romans 5:20-21
God Empowers You
Chrysalis training
March 23, 2013
&
Luke 24:13-35
Chrysalis
Walk to Emmaus
grace
love

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 22,690+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

well pleased - 2

God’s voice speaking from heaven
well pleased in Jesus
his only Son
before his journey
his ministry on earth
giving his blessing
the same for all of us


March 23, 2013
Matthew 3:17
Christ’s baptism
God Empowers You
Chrysalis training
March 23, 2013
&
Luke 24:13-35
Chrysalis
Walk to Emmaus
grace
love

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 22,690+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

submission to your Spirit

may I only serve you
giving up myself
submission to your Spirit
to Your call, oh Lord
help me to be empty
to be filled with Your love
use me, pour me
fill me again



March 23, 2013
Chrysalis covenant
Chrysalis training
March 23, 2013
&
Luke 24:13-35
Chrysalis
Walk to Emmaus
grace
love


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 23,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

an imperfect earthen vessel



chipped, my color faded
in muted, earthen tones
a vessel, still yet worthy
to be filled with You love
an imperfect earthen vessel
to be used for God’s purpose
to be filled with Your love


March 23, 2013
Chrysalis covenant
Chrysalis training
March 23, 2013
&
Luke 24:13-35
Chrysalis
Walk to Emmaus
grace
love


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 23,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

through me only



not because of me
my efforts, my work
through me only
God’s place in my life
fill me Lord, pour me
share your love
I offer myself as a vessel
for your use, oh Lord



March 23, 2013
Chrysalis covenant
Chrysalis training
March 23, 2013
&
Luke 24:13-35
Chrysalis
Walk to Emmaus
grace
love


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 23,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Friday, March 22, 2013

we desert Jesus

we run like they did
we desert Jesus
no matter our protests
our words of faith
we fall away
we run from a challenge
claiming his name
but denying we know him


March 22, 2013
new poem
“we desert Jesus
March 22, 2013
new poem
“we run like they did”
March 22, 2013
Matthew 26:31
Matthew 26:31-35
“Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial” (NIV)
Zechariah 13:7
Matthew 26:56
Sanctuary for Lent for 2013
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 22, 2013
read March 22, 2013


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 23,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

we run like they did



we run like they did
nothing so different
our lives like theirs were
mired in our clay
in the stuff of the earth
wanting to believe
but running when he was captured
not standing by the Christ
running like they did



March 22, 2013
new poem
“we run like they did”
March 22, 2013
Matthew 26:31
Matthew 26:31-35
“Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial” (NIV)
Zechariah 13:7
Matthew 26:56
Sanctuary for Lent for 2013
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 22, 2013
read March 22, 2013


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 23,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

forgive me when I fail you – v2


My heart’s first desire
lover of my soul,
oh Lord, forgive me
when I fail you
when I stumble
when I run into the night
why I deny your holy name

I know my failings
my feet of clay, like Peter
wanting to rush in
but running away
forgive me when I fail you
when I run, deny you
help me Lord Jesus
to come when you call


March 22, 2013
Matthew 26:31
Matthew 26:31-35
“Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial” (NIV)
Zechariah 13:7
Matthew 26:56
Sanctuary for Lent for 2013
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 22, 2013
read March 22, 2013

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 22,500+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

forgive me when I fail you



My heart’s first desire
lover of my soul,
oh Lord, forgive me
when I fail you
when I stumble
when I run into the night
why I deny your holy name


March 22, 2013
Matthew 26:31
Matthew 26:31-35
“Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial” (NIV)
Zechariah 13:7
Matthew 26:56
Sanctuary for Lent for 2013
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 22, 2013
read March 22, 2013

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 22,500+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

we all fall away



why do we think we are special
different from the rest
standing resolute with Jesus
when the storms come
we all fall away
like Peter, like the others,
we are human, made of clay
formed from the dust



March 22, 2013
Matthew 26:31
Matthew 26:31-35
“Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial” (NIV)
Zechariah 13:7
Matthew 26:56
Sanctuary for Lent for 2013
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 22, 2013
read March 22, 2013

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 22,500+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

cover me with dust – v2



unworthy to come to you
wrapped in my path
cover my body
the truth of my sin

cover me with dust
the pitch of the earth
soot upon my body
dark in the ground

falling, falling
needing your grace
healed, redeemed
love on your face


====
Edited March 22, 2013
“cover me with dust – v2”
February 15, 2013
“cover me with dust”
Worship Theme – “Ash Wednesday
Prelude
Unison Prayer
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (CEB)
Joel 2:12-17a (CEB)
hymn, “Sunday’s Palms Are Wednesday’s Ashes” TFWS #2138
Prayer of Confession
Words of Assurance
Imposition of Ashes
Communion liturgy – “The Great Thanksgiving for Early Lent”
Lenten poem:”Changer: A Lenten Poem”
by Adrienne Sparrow Trevathan
my earlier poem, “within the sweetness of the smoke”
on the bulletin back cover
This Lenten Season, we are doing something a little different. We are doing Lenten Dramas from:   http://www.sermonsfromseattle.com/home.htm It is called "The Voice of God". We are hearing conversations between God and some of the characters that took part in Passion Week. It has been a "moving experience" for all. . . 
February 13 2013 Ash Wednesday – James  (portrayed by Diane Mitchell)
February 17, 2013 – Judas  (portrayal by Ray Foss)
February 24, 2013 – Peter  (portrayal by Marshall Burns)
March 3, 2013 – Pilate  (portrayed by Richard Fleury)
March 10, 2013 – Barabbas  (portrayed by Mark Cioffi)
March 17, 2013 - Dysmas (Thief on the cross)  (portrayed by Ray Foss)
March 24, 2013 Palm Sunday
March 28, 2013 Maundy Thursday – The Centurion  (portrayed by Mark Cioffi)
March 29, 2013 Good Friday - Mary Mother of Jesus (portrayed by Kathy Akerman)
March 31, 2013 Easter Sunday! - The Gardner (portrayed by Mary Ann Cioffi)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL5YBlVn5Aw        
and Ash Wednesday Drama:
(a conversation with James and God
after the Garden of Gethsemane)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 13, 2013
Ash Wednesday
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 23,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

with God’s compassion – v2



we mirror Christ
when we give of ourselves
offer others love
with God’s compassion
not our meager fare
our sins, our inactions
show others love
those in low position
all of us bound
in our own private prisons
needing each other
the love of our neighbors
each needing the other
to rise from the dust


------
Edited March 21, 2013
“with God’s compassion – v2”
February 27, 2013
“with God’s compassion”
Romans 12:13, 16
Romans 15:1-7
Upper Room Daily Devotional
“God’s People Too”
by Charles P. Axe
for February 27, 2013
read February 27, 2013

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 22,610+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a longing for God – v2



spiritual water
presence of God
as real for our spirit
as water for our body

a longing for God
for healing, refreshment
our parched spirits
crying out, urgent
desiring God.


------
Edited March 21, 2013
“a longing for God – v2”
February 27, 2013
“a longing for God”
Psalm 63:1-4
Psalm 63:1-8
Upper Room Disciplines for 2013
February 25, 2013 to March 3, 2013
“God’s Sustaining Mercy”
by Pamela C. Hawkins
for February 27, 2013
read February 27, 2013


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 27,180+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a prayer for help - 2 - v2



looking forward
in the future tense
a prayer for assistance
for help in the journey
our lives in His hands
seeking, reaching
looking forward
for God’s promise
because God will be with us
all of our days


------
Edited March 21, 2013
“a prayer for help – 2 – v2”
March 17, 2013
“a prayer for help – 2”
“The Fifth Sunday in Lent”
Psalm 126 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2013
March 11, 2013 to March 17, 2013
“Looking Back, Going Forward”
by K. Cherie Jones
for March 17, 2013
read March 17, 2013


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 27,180+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

His Pain Palpable – v3



His eyes that usually smile
a laugh deep within
set, for a purpose
our new life with Him

His words urgent
his pain palpable
even in reflection
crying for his people
the weak believers
rejecting the love of Jesus

Wishing they would see
that these would comprehend
the Word of God
come down as a Man

These who claim his name
sitting complacent in their pews
the elect of God
yet failing to recognize
God’s own Son
walking here with us


====
Edited March 21, 2013
“His Pain Palpable – v3
Edited March 8, 2013
“His Pain Palpable – v2”
March 5, 2013 and March 8, 2013
“His Pain Palpable”
Genesis 1:1-31 (King James Bible)
John 1:1-13 (King James Bible)
Worship Theme: “God is Real!
Call to Worship (Lectionary Worship Aids /Series IX, Cycle C ©2013)
Unison Prayer (Lectionary Worship Aids /Series IX, Cycle C ©2013)
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012 Luke 9:28-36)                                  
and sermon – “The Proofs of God”
key words: Amen, Hallelujah
by the Reverend Theodore VanPatten
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 10, 2013
Transfiguration Sunday
Scouting Sunday


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 27,180+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

at an hour we do not know – v4



the truth written in scripture
the words with great portend
like a thief in the night
a whisper in a dream
Christ will return to the earth
in an hour we do not know
Keep watch, be ready
prepare your heart and mind
your oil must be ready
and your wicks cut just right
serve as you have been gifted
out in the world
bearing the light of Christ
to change all of mankind


edited January 2, 2015
at an hour we do not know – v8
(editing original again)
Edited November 9, 2013
“at an hour we do not know – v7”
(edited original again)
Edited October 12, 2013
“at an hour we do not know – v6”
(edited original again)
edited April 8, 2013
“at an hour we do not know – v5
(editing original again)
Edited March 21, 2013
“at an hour we do not know – v4”
(editing original again)
Edited March 19, 2013
“at an hour we do not know – v3”
(editing version 2)
edited March 14, 2013
“at an hour we do not know – v2”
March 9, 2013
“at an hour we do not know”
Matthew 24:44
Matthew 24:36-51
“The Day and the Hour Unknown” (NIV)
Sanctuary for Lent for 2013
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 4, 2013
read March 4, 2013
&
Worship Theme: New Year
Ecclesiastes 3:1-12 NIV
Revelation 21:1-6 NIV
Epiphany of the Lord Sunday
Children’s Message
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Mystery box
-              tooth brush and dental floss
sermon “A Year in Review
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Prayer of Thanksgiving
we thank you Lord – v7
by Raymond A. Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Epiphany of the Lord Sunday
December 28, 2014


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 34,880+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

The Morsel of Bread – v5

In this journey, this season
slowing our lives, our purpose
lingering with them, the disciples
as they walked with Christ
sharing with them, the first of his children
joining in the sheepfold, the Way
journeying with Jesus, to the cross

What must he have felt, sharing in the meal
knowing what he knew, what he had done
(but not all of what would unfold)
the invocation, the intoning of strange words
these words of the teacher, the master, Rabbi
changing the ancient words of remembrance
saying something entirely new, a new covenant

The morsel of bread dipped, shared from His hands
His words to go, to do that which is planned, quickly;
What must he have thought, in that moment
the doubt, confusion, steps already set in motion
unable to return, to pull back, the wheels of time turning
His body, His blood, in that bit of bread from Jesus
His sacrifice, wet, dripping on his hands

Running from the room, with the others
out into the cold night, the world, Jerusalem
no longer safe, within the sheepfold, out of Christ’s protection
Did the cold greet him, like a heavy leaden cloak
or did it hasten his steps to the Temple
to spring the trap of evil, to capture
to betray the One foretold, our hope, Messiah

What did he think after that, running to the Temple
his fate cast in the choice that he had made
nowhere left to turn, lost, wandering, caught in this purpose
a captive of the scheme he set in motion
Did he know what was to come, the trial, his crucifixion
or was all of this a mistake, greed raising its head
the coins burning a hole, an ache in his soul


-------
Edited December 21, 2012
“The Morsel of Bread – v4”
Edited December 21, 2012
“The Morsel of Bread – v3”
Edited December 19, 2012
“The Morsel of Bread – v2”
February 1, 2009
“The Morsel of Bread”
Matthew 26:14-30
Matthew 26:26-28
Mark 14:12-26
Mark 14:24-26
Luke 22:1-30
Luke 22:14-23
Luke 22:14-20
John 6:53-59
John 13:1-30
John 13:21-30
John 13:27-30
Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH
February 1, 2009


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 27,180+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

we are to die and rise in Christ – v2

into  the deep waters
below the surface
we are to die, into the waters,
dying to ourselves, our past
and to rise once more in Christ
our lives renewed, transformed
up above the waves
the foundation of our lives
out into the world


------
Edited March 19, 2013
“we are to die and rise in Christ – v2”
February 27, 2013
“we are to die and rise in Christ”
Philippians 3:17-4:1 (NIV)
Philippians 3:17-41 (The Message)
Philippians 3:7-11
WWJD
Upper Room Disciplines for 2013
February 18, 2013 to February 24, 2013
“Refuge and Hope”
by Craig Mitchell
for February 22, 2013
read February 22, 2013


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 27,180+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

at an hour we do not know – v3

like a whisper in a dream
a thief in the dark night
Christ will return to the earth
in an hour we do not know
a time yet unseen

Keep watch, be prepared
your oil lamps full
ready your heart and mind
serve as you are called
the light to all of mankind



edited January 2, 2015
at an hour we do not know – v8
(editing original again)
Edited November 9, 2013
“at an hour we do not know – v7”
(edited original again)
Edited October 12, 2013
“at an hour we do not know – v6”
(edited original again)
edited April 8, 2013
“at an hour we do not know – v5
(editing original again)
Edited March 21, 2013
“at an hour we do not know – v4”
(editing original again)
Edited March 19, 2013
“at an hour we do not know – v3”
(editing version 2)
edited March 14, 2013
“at an hour we do not know – v2”
March 9, 2013
“at an hour we do not know”
Matthew 24:44
Matthew 24:36-51
“The Day and the Hour Unknown” (NIV)
Sanctuary for Lent for 2013
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 4, 2013
read March 4, 2013
&
Worship Theme: New Year
Ecclesiastes 3:1-12 NIV
Revelation 21:1-6 NIV
Epiphany of the Lord Sunday
Children’s Message
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Mystery box
-              tooth brush and dental floss
sermon “A Year in Review
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Prayer of Thanksgiving
we thank you Lord – v7
by Raymond A. Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Epiphany of the Lord Sunday
December 28, 2014


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 34,880+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.