Saturday, October 11, 2014

Peeling away the Layers – v4

Becoming like children
peeling away the layers,
our years of living,
our experiences clouding
our vision of God

The lies of the world
layer upon layer,
weights that we carry,
keeping us from truth
the simplicity of God

Love alone,
this is the message,
nothing more, no less,
all of the teachings
boiling down to this

The guile of those older
older than young children,
trusting in their own wisdom,
trying to read more
into everything

God calling to us
come to me as a child,
without reason or guile,
simple and humble -
sit at my feet

The lesson of the greatest
in God’s heavenly kingdom,
stripping away all pretense,
coming to him humbly
humbly as a child


====
edited October 11, 2014
Peeling away the layers – v4

(editing original again)
edited March 21, 2014
Peeling away the Layers – v3
edited March 16, 2014
Peeling away the Layers – v2
October 23, 2010
Peeling away the Layers
Matthew 18:1-9
The Greatest
Matthew 17:14-20:34
Heartlight’s Straight Through Bible Study
for October 14, 2010,
read partially October 21, 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. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 32,760+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

how can I claim to be a Christian

how can I claim Christ
how can I claim to be Christian
when I agree with the darkness
when demons control my life
how can I claim to be a Christian
and not follow the Christ
we all have choices to make
to follow the light or the darkness
we need to choose the path of light
if we are to claim Christ


====
October 11, 2014
how can I claim to be a Christian

edited October 11, 2014
how can I be a Christian – v2
September 7, 2014
how can I be a Christian
1 John, 2 John, 3 John
1 John
Men’s Bible Study
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
September 7, 2014
&
edited October 11, 2014
believe with your soul – v4
edited October 10, 2014
believe with your soul – v3
edited October 10, 2014
some don’t know God – v2
edited October 10, 2014
some don’t know Jesus – v2
edited October 9, 2014
see with your heart – v2
edited October 9, 2014
believe with your soul – v2
edited October 9, 2014
see with your heart
October 9, 2014
believe with your soul
edited/new October 9, 2014
for the Creator of everything
edited October 9, 2014
all things are possible – v2
October 9, 2014
who do you want to be
new October 9, 2014
do we believe God
new October 9, 2014
do you believe your prayers
edited October 9, 2014
some don’t know God
October 9, 2014
some don’t know Jesus
edited October 7, 2014
All things are possible – v3
edited October 7, 2014
All things are possible – v2
October 7, 2014
All things are possible - 2
October 7, 2014
all things are possible
Jeremiah’s Corner
Jeremiah 29:11
led by Ellen Alward Dickinson
presentation:
by Lois Flewelling
Jeremiah 29:11
Jeremiah 29:10-14
"Time for an Upgrade"
from Empowering Life Ministries
Music by
Carter Heath & Teresa Schmidt & Pastor Ruth
opening prayer by
Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
October 6, 2014
&
Jeremiah’s Corner
Jeremiah 29:11
led by Ellen Alward Dickinson
presentation:
by Lois Flewelling
"Illuminating Prayer Ministry-Discovering Jesus is the Answer"
from Empowering Life Ministries
Music by
Carter Heath & Teresa Schmidt
opening prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
February 3, 2014
&
Jeremiah’s Corner
Jeremiah 29:11
led by Ellen Alward Dickinson
presentation:
by Lois Flewelling
“The Power of Making Good Choices”
from Empowering Life Ministries
opening prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
August 5, 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 32,750+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

how can I be a Christian – v2

How can I be a Christian
when I carry that weight
how can I say I love Jesus
when I have anger inside
I need to give up the anger
the hurt I carry inside
I need to reject the darkness
and walk into the light
I need to claim Jesus
as the Lord of my life


----
edited October 11, 2014
how can I be a Christian – v2

September 7, 2014
how can I be a Christian
1 John, 2 John, 3 John
1 John
Men’s Bible Study
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
September 7, 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. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 32,760+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Loosing the Bonds of Darkness – v2

the consequences of night
of suffering and strife
too long my path
seeing my glass as half empty
when my glass was full
may I loose the bonds of darkness
may Light hold my hand
walking forward more boldly
toward the promised land


----
edited October 11, 2014
Loosing the bonds of darkness – v2

September 7, 2014
Loosing the bonds of darkness
1 John, 2 John, 3 John
1 John
Men’s Bible Study
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
September 7, 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. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 32,760+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.


too long my path – v2

a response too familiar
too long my path
shackles that I carried
shed once and for all
the chains of darkness
too long have I known them
balancing out the light
not letting go of darkness
as if it was an old friend
wanting to be free of them
the shackles, the chains I carried
to be able to embrace the light
the way of the living Christ


----
edited October 11, 2014
too long my path – v2

September 7, 2014
too long my path
1 John, 2 John, 3 John
1 John
Men’s Bible Study
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
September 7, 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. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 32,760+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

no more anger – v2

I renounce the curse
the anger, the hurt,
I choose the light
the path of Jesus Christ

No more anger
I reject thee
now to offer love
in my walk

I will fight the darkness
when the storms come
I want to follow my Savior
my Shepherd in this life


----
edited October 11, 2014
no more anger – v2

September 8, 2014
no more anger
1 John, 2 John, 3 John
1 John
Men’s Bible Study
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
September 7, 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. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 32,760+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

believe with your soul – v4

see with your heart
don’t trust your eyes really
close your eyes
trust in the Lord
the source of our strength

believe with your soul
the living Spirit
be joyful in God only
only God can show
the way to paradise

see with your heart
eternal vision
pray to God only
walk in the way of Christ
to taste paradise

believe with your soul
for life everlasting
sure of God’s presence
listening to the Spirit
God’s call on your life


====
edited October 11, 2014
believe with your soul – v4

edited October 10, 2014
believe with your soul – v3
edited October 10, 2014
some don’t know God – v2
edited October 10, 2014
some don’t know Jesus – v2
edited October 9, 2014
see with your heart – v2
edited October 9, 2014
believe with your soul – v2
edited October 9, 2014
see with your heart
October 9, 2014
believe with your soul
edited/new October 9, 2014
for the Creator of everything
edited October 9, 2014
all things are possible – v2
October 9, 2014
who do you want to be
new October 9, 2014
do we believe God
new October 9, 2014
do you believe your prayers
edited October 9, 2014
some don’t know God
October 9, 2014
some don’t know Jesus
edited October 7, 2014
All things are possible – v3
edited October 7, 2014
All things are possible – v2
October 7, 2014
All things are possible - 2
October 7, 2014
all things are possible
Jeremiah’s Corner
Jeremiah 29:11
led by Ellen Alward Dickinson
presentation:
by Lois Flewelling
Jeremiah 29:11
Jeremiah 29:10-14
"Time for an Upgrade"
from Empowering Life Ministries
Music by
Carter Heath & Teresa Schmidt & Pastor Ruth
opening prayer by
Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
October 6, 2014
&
Jeremiah’s Corner
Jeremiah 29:11
led by Ellen Alward Dickinson
presentation:
by Lois Flewelling
"Illuminating Prayer Ministry-Discovering Jesus is the Answer"
from Empowering Life Ministries
Music by
Carter Heath & Teresa Schmidt
opening prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
February 3, 2014
&
Jeremiah’s Corner
Jeremiah 29:11
led by Ellen Alward Dickinson
presentation:
by Lois Flewelling
“The Power of Making Good Choices”
from Empowering Life Ministries
opening prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
August 5, 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 32,750+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

our footprints deep enough – v2

were we faithful
are our footprints deep enough
in following Jesus
in following Paul
all who came before us

are our footprints deep enough
for others to follow
will our footprints
lead others
to almighty God

this is the call to us
on our journey of faith
are our footprints deep enough
the commission to lead others
to almighty God

are our footprints deep enough
leaving an impression
marks for others to follow
leading others to Christ
the source of the promise


------
edited October 11, 2014

September 26, 2014
drafted September 17, 2014
our footprints deep enough
September 26, 2014
the journey of Jesus - 2
September 26, 2014
footprints deep enough
September 26, 2014
the footprints of Paul
Philippians 1:21-26
Philippians 1:21-30
“The People Demand Food” (NCV)
devotion for September 17, 2014
read September 17, 2014
&
“Walking in Jesus’ Footsteps”
for September 15, 2014 to September 21, 2014
by Boe Harris-Nakakakena
Upper Room Disciplines for 2014
&
overview page
Exodus 16:2-15
“The People Demand Food” (NCV)
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
“God’s Love for Israel” (NCV)
Philippians 1:21-30
Matthew 20:1-16
“A Story About Workers” (NCV)

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 32,750+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

footprints deep enough – v2

footprints deep enough
written on bedrock
upon the sands of time
preserved forever
written in the bible
the living scripture
footprints deep enough
for each of us to follow
the footprints of Jesus
all who came before us


------
edited October 11, 2014
footprints deep enough – v2

September 26, 2014
drafted September 17, 2014
footprints deep enough
September 26, 2014
drafted September 17, 2014
the footprints of Paul
Philippians 1:21-26
Philippians 1:21-30
“The People Demand Food” (NCV)
devotion for September 17, 2014
read September 17, 2014
&
“Walking in Jesus’ Footsteps”
for September 15, 2014 to September 21, 2014
by Boe Harris-Nakakakena
Upper Room Disciplines for 2014
&
overview page
Exodus 16:2-15
“The People Demand Food” (NCV)
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
“God’s Love for Israel” (NCV)
Philippians 1:21-30
Matthew 20:1-16
“A Story About Workers” (NCV)

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 32,750+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

gratitude for the coin – v2

the symbols in scripture
in the parables of Jesus
deep, rich lessons
words to guide, to teach us
in God’s holy word

we are to have
gratitude for the coin
for our salvation
not jealous of others
who like us have eternal life

all of us are sinners
all of us deserve death
the wages we actually earned
in our walk on earth
paid on the cross

we must be grateful
for each new believer
for all who receive salvation
all who claim the name
of our risen Lord Jesus.


------
edited October 11, 2014
gratitude for the coin – v2

September 26, 2014
drafted September 17, 2014
gratitude for the coin
Matthew 20:1-16
“A Story About Workers” (NCV)
devotion for September 21, 2014
read September 17, 2014
(main scripture for my sermon in Portage
on September 21, 2014)
&
“Walking in Jesus’ Footsteps”
for September 15, 2014 to September 21, 2014
by Boe Harris-Nakakakena
Upper Room Disciplines for 2014
&
overview page
Exodus 16:2-15
“The People Demand Food” (NCV)
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
“God’s Love for Israel” (NCV)
Philippians 1:21-30
Matthew 20:1-16
“A Story About Workers” (NCV)

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 32,750+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

only we can separate ourselves from God – v2

Think about this, believe this,
nothing on earth,
nothing of heaven,
can separate us from the love of God.

We alone are able
through sin, distrust
able to separate
ourselves from God.

God is Creator, Sustainer,
Provider of all.
We receive blessings.
We are restored.

We alone are able
to separate ourselves from God
but God alone is able
to save us by grace

God is Savior, Redeemer
Lord over all
We receive salvation
we receive it all


------
edited October 11, 2014
only we can separate ourselves from God – v2

September 26, 2014
drafted September 16, 2014
only we can separate ourselves from God
Exodus 16:4-15
Exodus 16:2-15
“The People Demand Food” (NCV)
devotion for September 16, 2014
read September 16, 2014
&
Exodus 16:2-3
Exodus 16:2-15
“The People Demand Food” (NCV)
devotion for September 15, 2014
read September 16, 2014
&
“Walking in Jesus’ Footsteps”
for September 15, 2014 to September 21, 2014
by Boe Harris-Nakakakena
Upper Room Disciplines for 2014
&
overview page
Exodus 16:2-15
“The People Demand Food” (NCV)
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
“God’s Love for Israel” (NCV)
Philippians 1:21-30
Matthew 20:1-16
“A Story About Workers” (NCV)

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 32,750+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

seeing my life as full – v2

A choice I am making
claiming this today
to see my life as full
whatever comes my way

Turning from the past
who I was before
I choose to claim joy
light, forevermore

Life in my Savior
in these days of my path
joy to lift me, to save me,
a hope that will last

In life everlasting
in the days of my story
seeing my life as full
whatever comes my way


----  
edited October 11, 2014
seeing my life as full – v2

edited October 11, 2014
seeing my life as full
edited October 11, 2014
my glass is full – v2
new poem, October 11, 2014
my glass is full
August 12, 2014
Pray like you believe
August 12, 2014
Pray the Impossible
Twitter post August 11, 2014
by Armor Of God
Father, help me to never be afraid to pray for the impossible.

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 32,750+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

seeing my life as full

A choice I am making
claiming this today
to see my life as full
whatever comes my way

I choose to claim joy
in every situation
turning from the path
who I was before

Life in my Savior
in these days of my walk
joy to lift me, to save me,
to find happiness

In life that will last
in the days of my journey
seeing my life as full
whatever comes my way


----  ----
edited January 23, 2016
Afraid to pray – v4
(editing original)
edited June 26, 2015
Pray the Impossible – v3
(editing version 2)
edited May 29, 2015
Pray the impossible – v2
edited October 14, 2014
seeing my life as full – v4
(editing original again)
edited October 11, 2014
seeing my life as full
edited October 11, 2014
my glass is full – v2
new poem, October 11, 2014
my glass is full
edited October 6, 2014
afraid to pray – v3
(editing original again)
edited August 16, 2014
afraid to pray – v2
edited August 13, 2014
Believe the Impossible – v2
edited August 13, 2014
How small is our faith – v2
August 12, 2014
lead me to the impossible
August 12, 2014
afraid to pray
August 12, 2014
Pray the Infinite
August 12, 2014
Pray like you believe
August 12, 2014
Pray the Impossible
edited August 12, 2014
Believe the Impossible
August 12, 2014
How small is our faith
Twitter post August 11, 2014
by Armor Of God
Father, help me to never be afraid to pray for the impossible.

All of my poems and photographs are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 40,790+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
                                           

my glass is full – v2

A choice I am making
claiming this today
to see my glass as full
whatever comes my way
Not without sorrow
pain in my history
words I cannot take back
things I have done
moments I cannot fix
the days of my past

My glass is full
I choose to claim joy
turning from the path
who I was before
Life in my Savior
in these days of my walk
joy to lift me, to save me,
to find happiness
in the days of my journey
in life that will last


-----
edited January 23, 2016
Afraid to pray – v4
(editing original)
edited June 26, 2015
Pray the Impossible – v3
(editing version 2)
edited May 29, 2015
Pray the impossible – v2
edited October 14, 2014
seeing my life as full – v4
(editing original again)
edited October 11, 2014
seeing my life as full
edited October 11, 2014
my glass is full – v2
new poem, October 11, 2014
my glass is full
edited October 6, 2014
afraid to pray – v3
(editing original again)
edited August 16, 2014
afraid to pray – v2
edited August 13, 2014
Believe the Impossible – v2
edited August 13, 2014
How small is our faith – v2
August 12, 2014
lead me to the impossible
August 12, 2014
afraid to pray
August 12, 2014
Pray the Infinite
August 12, 2014
Pray like you believe
August 12, 2014
Pray the Impossible
edited August 12, 2014
Believe the Impossible
August 12, 2014
How small is our faith
Twitter post August 11, 2014
by Armor Of God
Father, help me to never be afraid to pray for the impossible.

All of my poems and photographs are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 40,790+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.